Ford issue major hint over F1 future

Ford Drops Major Hint About Long-Term Commitment to Formula 1

The iconic American automaker Ford is gearing up for a major return to Formula 1 in 2026, signaling a strong commitment to the future of the sport. Teaming up with Red Bull Powertrains, Ford will play a pivotal role in developing the next generation of power units under the new F1 engine regulations. This marks the company’s first involvement in Formula 1 in over two decades, highlighting a significant strategic move in the evolving world of motorsport.

Ford’s partnership with Red Bull coincides with the introduction of new engine regulations that will reshape the technical landscape of the sport. Starting in 2026, F1 engines will feature a 50-50 balance between internal combustion and electric power. This new hybrid configuration is designed to enhance sustainability and reduce the sport’s environmental footprint, aligning closely with Ford’s own vision for the future of mobility.

Speaking on behalf of the company, Mark Rushbrook, Ford’s Global Director of Performance Motorsports, emphasized that Ford is not entering Formula 1 with short-term goals in mind. Instead, the company is fully invested in becoming a long-term player in the series, with a clear emphasis on collaboration and sustainability.

“That is definitely our intent,” Rushbrook said, confirming Ford’s long-term ambitions in the sport. “We’re committed to working alongside all other stakeholders to ensure the long-term health and future of Formula 1. It’s not about any single manufacturer getting everything it wants; it’s about compromise, cooperation, and the collective success of the sport.”

He further elaborated on the importance of unity among manufacturers. “If we were to push for everything we want without considering the needs of others, and they all left the sport, it wouldn’t benefit anyone. That’s not what we want, and thankfully, the other manufacturers understand that as well. You compete fiercely on the track, but off the track, you have to collaborate for the benefit of the entire ecosystem.”

The move back into Formula 1 comes at a time when discussions around engine formats are more active than ever. Some factions within the motorsport community have floated the idea of a return to fully combustion-powered engines, albeit with sustainable fuel options. However, Ford has taken a firm stance against removing electrification from the equation.

“For Ford Motor Company, it’s absolutely essential that some level of electrification is part of the future of F1,” Rushbrook explained. “That’s one of the main reasons the 2026 regulations appealed to us in the first place. We don’t necessarily need the 50-50 split to remain permanent, but the opportunity to innovate in both electric and combustion technologies is key. It’s about gaining knowledge that can directly influence the future of our road cars.”

By entering into a technical partnership with Red Bull, Ford aims to not only advance performance in motorsport but also to leverage F1 as a testing ground for future automotive technologies. The collaboration underscores the company’s broader strategy of integrating motorsport innovations into its consumer vehicle lineup, particularly in the realm of hybrid and electric powertrains.

In summary, Ford’s re-entry into Formula 1 marks more than just a return to racing. It represents a calculated investment in the future of high-performance, sustainable motoring. With a focus on long-term involvement, technological advancement, and global collaboration, Ford is clearly positioning itself as a forward-thinking leader in the next era of Formula 1.