Ford's Resurgence Into F1 is Imminent And Requires Consideration
“As a company we go racing for innovation, tech transfer, the learning opportunity, but also for marketing reasons as well. It’s shifted for sure, and it definitely requires consideration.”
Merrick Harding 
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The iconic Blue Oval brand is understood to be in advanced talks with Red Bull about badging the team’s power units from the start of the 2026 season. There are even suggestions that the deal could be firmed up before the start of the forthcoming campaign.
For now, Ford is remaining silent on the state of play with Red Bull.
However, it has admitted that the ramping up of F1’s popularity since Liberty Media took over has changed perceptions and means a grand prix return has to be on its radar.
Having last been involved in F1 with the Jaguar team from 2000 to 2004, having also badged Cosworth engines until 2004, Ford has focused efforts since in other racing categories like the World Rally Championship and sportscars.
Ford Performance boss Mark Rushbrook has suggested a change in mindset, though, in a recent interview with motorsport.com said, “Formula 1 is certainly strong and growing, both in the United States and globally.
“What they have done well is create great racing and great competition. It’s still the pinnacle, but they’ve been able to reach new audiences with things like Drive to Survive.
“As a company we go racing for innovation, tech transfer, the learning opportunity, but also for marketing reasons as well. It’s shifted for sure, and it definitely requires consideration.”
Ford were last involved with Formula One under the Jaguar brand from 2000-2004 which was fittingly sold to Dietrich Mateschitz and renamed Red Bull Racing.
When asked about the rumours regarding a potential 2026 entry, Rushbrook said: “We don’t comment on speculation, but it’s the same with all these series that are out there.
“It’s our responsibility to study them and understand them, and then make decisions on whether it makes sense or doesn’t make sense.”
Rushbrook’s subsequent comments make a lot of sense in terms of a Red Bull Racing F1 partnership. When asked about whether F1’s push toward sustainability would be a key driver for Fords, he replied: “Sustainable fuel definitely is something we’re interested in, but we’re already doing that in other series,” he said.
However, with no experience in manufacturing ICE’s Red Bull would be exposed were they to try and go it alone with Red Bull Powertrains.
Further, Ferrari at present are objecting to Red Bull Powertrains being treated as a ‘new manufacturer’ for 2026 given they are currently listed as supplying the 2022 Red Bull team.
‘New manufacturers’ in 2026 will receive extra dyno time and incremental R&D budget spend which of course Ferrari and Mercedes will not receive.
motorsport.com suggests the announcement of a Ford – Red Bull Racing partnership could be made even before the start of the 2023 season.
Another spark for Ford’s interest in F1 could be if General Motors, through its Cadillac brand, gets the green light to join the grand prix grid with the Andretti squad.
Having one of its main market competitors racing in F1 would certainly deliver some impetus for Ford to take it on.
However, Rushbrook felt that what GM did would not strictly dictate Ford’s plans.
Asked if GM’s involvement would change anything for Ford, he said: “Not necessarily. But it will be interesting to watch how that progresses, whether they will be successful in joining as an 11th team.”
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