Ford will return to F1 in 2026
In a press release, the automaker Ford confirms that the popularity of Formula 1 and the use of electric power as well as sustainable fuels pushed her back into the circuit. Ford Performance partners with Red Bull Powertrains to develop a hybrid powertrain that will power the race vehicles of the Oracle Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri teams from 2026.
A new era of engine
FIA Formula 1 will add several new standards to the championship in 2026. Among other things, the single-seaters will have to be equipped with a hybrid system that features a 350 kilowatt (475 horsepower) electric motor and an internal combustion engine that uses a fuel fully sustainable.
The manufacturer Ford will support the Red Bull Powertrains team in several areas. Battery cell technology, electric motors and power analysis and control software will be some of the areas where Ford Performance will be involved. The association between the two engine manufacturers is active for a period of 4 years, i.e. between 2026 and 2030. It will be possible to see this new engine on Oracle Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri vehicles.
Moreover, the CEO of the Oracle Red Bull Racing team, Christian Horner, specifies how this association will be beneficial for the team. “As an independent engine manufacturer, having the opportunity to benefit from the experience of a manufacturer like Ford puts us in a good position against the competition. Ford has a rich racing history that spans generations. »
Ford and its history in F1
Ford’s last presence in Formula 1 dates back to 2004. Despite a 19-year absence, the constructor is still in the top 3 most often crowned engine manufacturers. With 10 manufacturer’s championships and 13 drivers’ championships, Ford’s 23 victories confirm the manufacturer’s history and importance in the circuit.
The various motor racing competitions are regularly vectors of technological creation. Jim Farley, President and CEO of Ford Motor Company, confirms that F1 will be an important channel of innovation for the manufacturer: “F1 will be an incredibly profitable platform to innovate, share ideas and technologies and interact with dozens millions of new customers. »
Ford Performance and Red Bull Powertrains confirm that development work will begin as early as 2023.
