A big name in Formula 1 soon back on the starting grid: car manufacturer Ford announced on Friday that it is partnering with the Red Bull team for its return to F1 in 2026 as an engine manufacturer.
The American brand, which retired from the F1 championship in 2004, will partner with the reigning world champion team and its little sister AlphaTauri “to develop a new generation hybrid powertrain” until “at least 2030, wrote in a press release the manufacturer, published on the sidelines of the presentation of the 2023 single-seater from Red Bull.
Ford’s return to F1 will coincide with the implementation of new engine regulations expected in 2026.
On that date, the engines, already hybrid since 2014, will see an increase in electric power and will use 100% sustainable fuels.
“Ford will bring its expertise in areas such as battery elements and technology relating to electric motors, as well as control and analysis software for power units”, details the manufacturer.
The brand, involved in F1 since the 1960s and until 2004, is the third most successful engine manufacturer in F1 thanks to its 10 constructor championships and 13 driver titles.
“It’s a global brand with an incredible heritage in racing and motoring and they see the tremendous value our platform delivers with over half a billion fans around the world,” said pointed out Domenicali.
Popularity
The return of the American manufacturer comes at a time when interest in the premier category of motorsport continues to grow, both among the public and brands.
In 2026, another big name in the automobile industry, the German Audi, is also expected to make its F1 debut as an engine manufacturer. He will be associated with the Sauber team.
In total, six engine manufacturers are therefore expected on the grid in 2026.
“This is a testament to the strength of the championship and the solidity of the technical regulations which have been drawn up by the FIA in close collaboration with Formula 1 and the powertrain manufacturers”, welcomed the president of the International Federation of Motorsport. automobile, Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
As for the teams, the American Andretti Global announced in January that it had joined forces with another major American car manufacturer, General Motors (GM), to try to integrate F1 in the coming years.
However, it will be subject to an application process, like any team wishing to join the F1 championship, in order to potentially increase the number of teams present on the grid, currently ten.