A big name in Formula 1 soon to be back on the grid: carmaker Ford announced on Friday that it will partner with the Red Bull team for its return to F1 in 2026 as an engine builder.
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The American marque, which withdrew from the F1 championship in 2004, will work with the reigning world champion team and its little sister AlphaTauri until at least 2030 “to develop a new-generation hybrid powertrain,” the manufacturer wrote in a sideline press release the presentation of the 2023 Red Bull single-seater.
Ford’s return to Formula 1 will coincide with the introduction of new engine regulations expected in 2026.
On that date, the engines, which have already been hybrid since 2014, will see an increase in electric power and use 100% sustainable fuels.
“Ford will bring its expertise in areas such as battery cells and technology related to electric motors as well as control and analysis software for powertrains,” explains the manufacturer.
The brand, which has been active in Formula 1 since the 1960s and until 2004, is the third most successful engine manufacturer in Formula 1 thanks to its 10 constructors’ championships and 13 drivers’ titles.
“It’s a global brand with an incredible heritage in racing and motorsport and they see the tremendous value our platform offers with over half a billion fans around the world,” said Domenicali.
popularity
The return of the American manufacturer comes at a time when interest in motorsport’s premier class continues to grow, both among the public and the brands.
In 2026, another big name in the auto industry, Germany’s Audi, is also expected to make its F1 debut as an engine builder. He will be associated with the Sauber team.
A total of six engine manufacturers will be at the start in 2026.
“This is a testament to the strength of the championship and the solidity of the technical regulations drawn up by the FIA in close collaboration with Formula 1 and the powertrain manufacturers,” said the President of the International Automobile Federation, Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
As for teams, American Andretti Global announced in January that it had teamed up with another major American automaker, General Motors (GM), to try to integrate Formula 1 in the coming years.
However, like any team wishing to compete in the F1 Championship, it will be subject to an application process to potentially increase the current ten teams on the grid.