Ford declares that Formula 1 will return in 2026. Ford, a major American automaker, has formally announced that it will return to Formula 1 in 2026, just in time for the New York debut of the Red Bull car.
Ford Has Big Plans
Ford announced on Friday that it will return to Formula One for the new engine period starting in 2026. Ford left the sport after the 2004 season when it shut down the Jaguar operation and the badging of Cosworth engines.
It did not specify which teams will partner with in its early-morning announcement; it merely mentioned its intentions to return to Formula One.
But, as Motorsport.com first reported in December, Ford and Red Bull have been in discussions for some time. A contract is in place and will be disclosed during the Milton Keynes-based team's car introduction today.
Red Bull wants a manufacturer partner to provide technical input and even badge the project. Red Bull is well along in the design of an F1 power unit for 2026.
Bill Ford, executive chair of Ford, commented on the company's return to Formula 1. "This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Ford's motorsports history, which began when my great-grandfather won a race that assisted in the establishment of our business.
Ford will come back to the top of the sport by bringing Ford's long history of innovation, sustainability, and electrification to one of the most recognizable stages in the world.
The development of the sport, particularly in the United States, following Liberty Media's acquisition, as well as the expanding role that electric power will play in the 2026 power units, have been noted by Ford as two reasons for its decision to return to Formula One.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, who was present at the company's presentation on Friday, applauded Ford's decision to commit to grand prix racing.
"We are thrilled to see Ford join the excellent automotive partners already in Formula 1," Domenicali stated in response to the news that Ford will enter the sport in 2026.
"With over half a billion followers worldwide, Ford is a global brand with a remarkable history in racing and the automotive industry. Ford recognizes the tremendous value that our platform offers.
"Another significant factor in their choice to compete in Formula One is our commitment to becoming Net Zero Carbon by 2030 and implementing renewable fuels in F1 cars starting in 2026.
"We think that our sport offers a potential and a reach that is unmatched by any other, and we can't wait for the Ford logo to start racing around F1's legendary circuits in 2026," the statement reads.
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