Ford Returns to Formula 1 with Red Bull Partnership

Daily Car

09/03/2026

Ford has announced its official return to Formula 1, beginning with the 2026 season. After a 22-year absence from the sport, the American automotive manufacturer will enter a technical partnership with the Red Bull Racing team. The new operation will be known as Red Bull Ford Powertrains, with a stated goal of winning races and transferring technology to Ford's lineup of road vehicles.

A Legacy of Victory

Ford holds a significant place in Formula 1 history. It remains the third-most-successful engine manufacturer in the sport, having powered cars to 176 wins. Many of these victories were achieved with the iconic Ford-Cosworth DFV engine, a power plant that dominated Grand Prix racing for more than a decade. The 2026 return marks a strategic shift from past efforts. Instead of supplying an engine built by an external partner like Cosworth, Ford will be directly involved in the development of the new power unit at the Red Bull Powertrains facility in the UK.

The 2026 Technical Challenge

The new F1 regulations for 2026 mandate a new generation of power units. These will consist of a 1.6-liter V6 turbocharged engine paired with a substantially more powerful hybrid system. In simple terms, a hybrid power unit uses both a gasoline engine and an electric motor. For 2026, the electrical component is expected to deliver nearly half of the car's total power, a major increase from current specifications. This focus on hybrid technology and sustainable fuels is a primary driver for Ford's re-entry, as the research and development directly apply to its future passenger cars.

More Than Just a Race

While the competitive aim is to win, Ford executives have emphasized that the project extends beyond marketing. The intense development cycle of Formula 1 accelerates innovation in battery technology, electric motor efficiency, software, and aerodynamics. Ford intends to apply these lessons learned on the track to its production vehicles. This technology transfer is not limited to performance models; the company has indicated that advancements could benefit its entire range, including commercial vehicles like the Ford Transit, by improving efficiency and performance.

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