Ford has announced that after more than two decades it's returning to Formula 1, entering into a strategic technical partnership with Red Bull Powertrains.
Ford and Red Bull will work together in developing a next-gen hybrid power unit to be used from the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Red Bull Ford will provide the power units for the Oracle Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri teams from 2026 to at least 2030.
"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," said Bill Ford, executive chair. "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."
Starting from 2023, Ford and Red Bull Powertrains will work to develop the power unit that will be part of new technical regulations, including a 350kW electric motor and a new combustion engine able to accept fully sustainable fuels, with the unit ready for the 2026 season.
"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," said Jim Farley, president and CEO of Ford Motor Company. "F1 will be an incredibly cost-effective platform to innovate, share ideas and technologies, and engage with tens of millions of new customers."
He said Ford will provide technical expertise in all areas where it can add value to the front-running World Championship team. Areas to be explored together are in combustion engine development and key developments like battery cell and electric motor technology in addition to power unit control software and analytics.
Christian Horner, Oracle Red Bull Racing team principal and CEO, added: "As an independent engine manufacturer to have the ability to benefit from an OEM's experience like Ford puts us in good stead against the competition. They are a manufacturer rich in motoring history that spans generations. From Jim Clark to Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher, the lineage speaks for itself. For us as Red Bull Powertrains to open the next chapter of that dynasty, as Red Bull Ford, is tremendously exciting. 2026 is still a while away but for us the work already starts as we look to a new future and a continued evolution of Oracle Red Bull Racing."
The facts
Red Bull Powertrains and Ford to partner on development of the next-gen hybrid power unit that will supply engines to Oracle Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri teams from 2026 to at least 2030.
Ford returns to Formula 1 as FIA/F1 deepens its focus on sustainable racing and advanced hybrid technologies, while leaving a legacy of positive change wherever it races.
Ford will provide expertise in areas including battery cell and electric motor technology as well as power unit control software and analytics.
The Blue Oval — racing across codes and countries
In 2026, Ford will be the only manufacturer competing in racing disciplines from grassroots motorsports to Formula 1, namely WEC and IMSA including Le Mans 24 Hours with the Mustang GT3; WRC with the M-Sport Ford Puma Hybrid Rally1; Baja 1000 with Ranger Raptor and Bronco; and NASCAR, NHRA and Supercars with Mustang.
"We are entering an exciting new age for Ford Performance," said Farley. "We will be competing to win in F1, the pinnacle for motor sport, with Red Bull Racing. You will see the world's most popular sports coupe, the Mustang, race from the grass roots 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 Baha 1000 and more. All the while, we'll continue to excite the world with cool demonstrators like SuperVan 4 and Mustang Mach-E 1400."
