Ford’s return to Formula 1 focuses on sustainable racing and advanced hybrid technologies. This is with the aim to leave a legacy of positive change. Ford will provide expertise in areas including battery cell, electric motor technology, power unit control software and analytics.
After more than 20 years, Ford is returning to Formula 1. Ford and Red Bull Powertrains are entering into a long term strategic technical partnership. This is with the aim of developming the next-gen hybrid power unit. This power unit is to be used in the 2026 Formula 1 season onwards. Red Bull Ford Powertrains, will provide the power units for both the Oracle Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri teams from 2026. This is planned to continue until at least 2030.
Formula 1: A Thrilling New Chapter
“This is the start of a thrilling new chapter in Ford’s motorsports story that began when my greatgrandfather won a race that helped launch our company,”
“Ford, alongside world champions, Oracle Red Bull Racing, 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, executive chair.
Starting from 2023, Ford and Red Bull Powertrains will work to develop the power unit that will be part of the new technical regulations. This includes a 350kW electric motor and a new combustion engine able to accept fully sustainable fuels.
“Ford’s return to Formula 1 with Red Bull Racing is all about where we are going as a company–increasingly electric, software-defined, modern vehicles and experiences,”
Jim Farley, President and CEO, Ford Motor Company.
Ford will provide technical expertise in all areas where value can be added to the front-running World Championship team. The most important areas are the combustion engine, battery cell, electric motor technology, power unit control software and analytics.
“As an independent engine manufacturer to have the ability to benefit from an OEM’s experience like Ford puts us in good stead against the competition. They are a manufacturer rich in motoring history that spans generations. From Jim Clark to Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher, the lineage speaks for itself. For us as Red Bull Powertrains to open the next chapter of that dynasty, as Red Bull Ford, is tremendously exciting. 2026 is still a while a way but for us the work already starts as we look to a new future and a continued evolution of Oracle Red Bull Racing.”
Christian Horner, Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal and CEO.
Formula 1: The EV Revoloution
Ford being the number 2 EV company in the U.S. will be investing $50 billion to lead the EV revolution globally. They are working to meet the increased consumer demand and deliver an annual run rate of 600,000 electric vehicles worldwide by the end of 2023. This figure is planned to rise to 2 million globally by the end of 2026.
Ford will be the only manufacturer in 2026 to be competing in racing disciplines ranging from grassroots motorsports to Formula 1. These disciplines comprising of WEC and IMSA including Le Mans 24 Hours with Mustang GT3, WRC with the M-Sport Ford Puma Hybrid Rally1, Dakar with Ranger Raptor, Baja 1000 with Ranger Raptor and Bronco, and NASCAR, NHRA and Supercars with Mustang. Ford continues to leverage its racing efforts to speed innovations, latest technologies and software to consumers.
“We are entering an exciting new age for Ford Performance,” said Farley. “We will be competing to win in F1, the pinnacle for motor sport, with Red Bull Racing. You will see the world’s most popular sports coupe, the Mustang, race from the grass roots to Australian Super Cars to NASCAR to Le Mans. As well as building our off-road leadership in the World Rally Championship, King of Hammers and to the Baha 100 and more. All the while, we’ll continue to excite the world with cool demonstrators like SuperVan 4 and Mach-E 1400.”
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