Red Bull is teaming up with American automotive giant, Ford in Formula 1 starting 2026.
This partnership, which is expected to be officially announced at Red Bull’s 2023 season launch in New York, will see Ford part-funding the engine Red Bull is developing for the new regulations that are set to take effect in 2026. This will be Ford’s first return to the factory involvement in Formula 1 since 2004 when they withdrew following the sale of their Jaguar team to Red Bull.
Red Bull Powertrains, which already employs around 500 people, has been set up specifically for the 2026 regulations. Under these regulations, Formula 1 will continue to use turbo hybrid engines but with increased hybrid performance and the use of sustainable synthetic fuels. Team Principal, Christian Horner, has stated that the team is well advanced with its plans for 2026.
Ford has a rich history in Formula 1, with the Cosworth DFV V8 engine it funded dominating the sport from 1967 until the advent of the turbo era in the early 1980s.
The DFV is considered the most successful engine in F1 history, having won 155 races until its final victory by Tyrrell’s Michele Alboreto in the 1983 US Grand Prix East in Detroit. Ford continued to have success in Formula 1 until 2003, winning a further 21 Grand Prix, the last with Jordan’s Giancarlo Fisichella in Brazil in 2003.
This move by Ford comes at a time when its historic American market rival, General Motors, is also attempting to enter Formula 1 through the American Andretti Global organization.
This partnership between Ford and Red Bull Racing signifies a step forward in Ford’s involvement in the sport and shows their commitment to innovation and performance, both on and off the track.
The collaboration between Ford and Red Bull Racing is a major event in the world of motorsports, and fans are eagerly awaiting the official announcement. With the combined resources and expertise of both companies, there is no doubt that this partnership will drive exciting developments in Formula 1 and set the stage for even greater achievements in the future.
Written by: Leon Osamor
