Ford returns to Formula 1 with Red Bull Racing from 2026

After more than two decades, Ford returns to Formula 1. The iconic American automaker and Red Bull Powertrains are entering into a long-term strategic technology partnership to develop the next-generation hybrid power unit to be used starting in the 2026 Formula 1 season.

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From 2026 until at least 2030, Red Bull Ford Powertrains will make the engines for the Oracle Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri teams.

Bill Ford, Executive Chair, said:

This is the start of a thrilling new chapter in Ford’s motorsports story that began when my great-grandfather won a race that helped launch our company. Ford, alongside world champions Oracle Red Bull Racing, is returning to the pinnacle of the sport, bringing Ford’s long tradition of innovation, sustainability, and electrification to one of the world’s most visible stages.

Jim Farley, President and CEO of Ford Motor Company, commented:

Ford’s return to Formula 1 with Red Bull Racing is all about where we are going as a company– increasingly electric, software-defined, modern vehicles and experiences. F1 will be a great way to share ideas and technologies and connect with millions of new customers without spending much money.

We are entering an exciting new age for Ford Performance. With Red Bull Racing, we will compete to win in F1, the pinnacle of motorsport. You will see the world’s most popular sports coupe, the Mustang, race from the grassroots to Australian Supercars to NASCAR to Le Mans. And will build our off-road leadership in the World Rally Championship, King of Hammers and to the Baja 1000 and more. All the while, we’ll continue to excite the world with cool demonstrators like SuperVan 4 and Mustang Mach-E 1400.

Christian Horner, Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal and CEO, added:

It’s fantastic to welcome Ford back into Formula 1 through this partnership. As an independent engine manufacturer, having the ability to benefit from an OEM’s experience like Ford puts us in good stead against the competition. They are a manufacturer with a long history in the automotive industry. The lineage is from Jim Clark to Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher. For us as Red Bull Powertrains, to open the next chapter of that dynasty as Red Bull Ford is tremendously exciting. Although 2026 is still a long way off, work has already begun as we look forward to a new future and the continued evolution of Oracle Red Bull Racing.

Starting in 2023, Ford and Red Bull Powertrains will work to develop the power unit that will be part of the new technical regulations, including a 350 kW electric motor and a new combustion engine able to accept fully sustainable fuels, ready for the 2026 season.

Ford will provide technical expertise in all areas where it can add value to the front-running World Championship team. Places to be explored are in the combustion engine development and key developments like battery cell and electric motor technology, power unit control software and analytics.

Ford is investing $50 billion to lead the EV revolution around the world. It is the number 2 EV company in the U.S., driven by the success of the F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E and the market leader in many global markets with the E-Transit. Ford is working to meet increased consumer demand and deliver an annual run rate of 600,000 electric vehicles globally by the end of this year and 2 million globally by the end of 2026 as part of its Ford+ plan.

In 2026, Ford will be the only manufacturer to be competing in racing disciplines from grassroots motorsports to Formula 1 comprising WEC and IMSA, including Le Mans 24 Hours with the Mustang GT3, WRC with the M-Sport Ford Puma Hybrid Rally1, Baja 1000 with the Ranger Raptor and Bronco, and NASCAR, NHRA and Supercars with Mustang. Ford continues to leverage its racing efforts to speed innovations, the latest technologies and software to consumers. It will continue to do so through this new partnership at the pinnacle of Motorsports for future Ford electric vehicles.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world where everyone is free to move and pursue their dreams.  The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships to enrich customer experiences and deepen customer loyalty.  Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars, Lincoln luxury vehicles, and connected services.  The company does that through three customer-centred business segments:  Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough EVs along with embedded software that defines always-on digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs.  Additionally, Ford is pursuing mobility solutions through Ford Next and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.  Ford employs about 173,000 people worldwide.

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