It has been confirmed after weeks of speculation that the US Car manufacturer Ford will return to Formula 1 in 2026.
The news breaks on the same day as the Red Bull 2023 livery release where it is expected that the team will announce their partnership with the US car marque Ford.
“Ford is a global brand with an incredible heritage in racing,”
“The news that Ford is coming to Formula 1 from 2026 is great for the sport and we are excited to see them join the incredible automotive partners already in Formula 1,”
“They see the huge value that our platform provides with over half a billion fans around the world.
“We believe that our sport provides the opportunity and reach unlike any other and we cannot wait for the Ford logo to be racing round F1’s iconic circuits from 2026.”
Stefano Domenicali – Liberty Media Boss
Ford have had great success within the Formula 1 world. They are the third most successful engine supplier having powered 13 Drivers and 10 Constructors to Championship victory.
“Ford 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.”
Bill Ford – Ford Executive Chair
Ford were a force to be reckoned with in the 60’s and 70’s winning 7 straight drivers championships from ’68 to ’74. Their last race was in 2004.
Their renewed interest in the sport is no doubt thanks to the superb job that Liberty Media have done in raising the US interest in the sport. We now have 3 races stateside including a brand new race this year in Las Vegas. It joins Miami and The Circuit of the Americas on the calendar from 2023 onwards.
It is widely heralded as one of the most important things for F1’s growth, as it helped teams run a successful operation on a budget and compete with the major manufacturers with big budgets such as Ferrari and Renault.
They also state that one of the key reasons behind their return is their “commitment to sustainability” this falls perfectly in line with F1’s pledge to become carbon neutral by 2030.
A rivalry in the making, American fans will be rubbing their palms as we also heard earlier this year that General Motors were interested in joining the sport with an Andretti/Cadillac partnership.
Welcome back to the grid to Ford. Will they hit the ground running upon their return to the grid in 2026? And will it be with Red Bull Racing? (very likely)