Updated 08:45 PM,Feb 5,2023
Ford returns to the world of Formula 1 racing after more than two decades, as the renowned American automaker has entered into a long-term strategic technical partnership with Red Bull Powertrains to develop the next generation of hybrid power units for use in Formula 1 races starting from the 2026 season onward.
The "Red Bull Ford Powertrains" collaboration will supply power units to Oracle Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri teams beginning in 2026 and continuing through at least 2030.
Commenting on the partnership, Bill Ford, Executive Chairman of Ford, said: "This partnership marks a new chapter in Ford's motorsport story, which began when my grandfather won a race—helping launch our company. Returning with world champion team Oracle Red Bull to the pinnacle of this sport allows us to bring Ford’s legacy of innovation, sustainability, and electric vehicles back to one of the most prestigious racing platforms globally."
Starting in 2023, Ford and Red Bull Powertrains will collaborate on developing the power unit that will be part of the new technical regulations, including the creation of a 350-kilowatt electric motor and a new combustion engine running exclusively on fully sustainable fuels. Both engines will be ready for deployment by the 2026 season.
Jim Farley, President and CEO of Ford Motor Company, stated: "Ford’s return to Formula 1 with Red Bull Racing aligns with our company’s ambitions—to focus more on developing modern, software-driven electric vehicles and experiences. Formula 1 offers a cost-effective platform for innovation, idea exchange, technology sharing, and engagement with millions of new customers."
Ford will contribute its extensive technical expertise across all domains, adding unparalleled value to a team competing for championship glory. Areas of exploration within this partnership include combustion engine development, key innovations such as battery cells, electric motor technologies, power unit control software, and data analytics.
Christian Horner, Team Principal and CEO of Oracle Red Bull Racing, added: "We are delighted to welcome Ford back into Formula 1 through this partnership. As an independent engine manufacturer, having access to the deep automotive heritage of a global leader like Ford gives us a strong competitive advantage. Ford’s legacy spans generations—from Jim Clark and Ayrton Senna to Michael Schumacher—the history speaks for itself. For Red Bull Powertrains, announcing the next chapter in this story, titled Red Bull Ford, is truly special. While we have time until 2026, we’ve already begun working, and we look forward to a new future and continuous progress with Oracle Red Bull Racing."
It’s worth noting that Ford recently announced a $50 billion investment to lead a global transformation in the electric vehicle industry. The company ranks second in the U.S. electric vehicle market, following the success of the F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E, and remains a leader in numerous international markets with the E-Transit model. Ford is committed to meeting rising consumer demand, aiming to achieve an annual production rate of 600,000 electric vehicles worldwide by the end of this year, and approximately two million by the end of 2026 as part of the Ford+ plan.
By 2026, Ford will be the only automotive manufacturer competing across multiple racing disciplines—from popular motorsports to Formula 1, including the FIA World Endurance Championship, the International Automobile Federation, and events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Mustang GT3, the World Rally Championship with the Ford M-Sport Puma Hybrid Rally1, and the Baja 1000 with Ranger Raptor and Bronco, alongside NASCAR, the National Hot Rod Association, and SuperCars competitions using the Mustang. Ford continues to leverage its racing participation to accelerate innovation, cutting-edge technology, and software development for consumers, and this new partnership will further advance that mission through future Ford electric vehicles in the highest levels of motorsport.
Farley concluded: "Ford Performance is launching a new and exciting era. We will compete for Grand Prix victories in Formula 1 with Red Bull Racing. You’ll see the most iconic sports coupe in the world—the Mustang—racing across various competitions, from popular series to Australia’s Supercars Championship and NASCAR, Le Mans. We’ll also take on off-road challenges in the World Rally Championship and events like 'King of Hammers' and 'Baja 1000,' among others. We remain committed to raising excitement worldwide through innovative models like the SuperVan 4 and the Mustang Mach-E 1400."
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