OFFICIAL: Red Bull and Ford Announce Partnership Deal

Ford is making its return to the pinnacle of motorsports with a major engine partnership deal with Red Bull Racing.

The agreement, which was announced on Friday at Red Bull's 2023 season launch in New York, marks the automaker's first return to Formula F1 since 2004.

Ford will join forces with Red Bull Powertrains, a company that has been established anew for the 2026 regulations, in which F1 will continue with turbo hybrid engines but with increased hybrid performance and the use of sustainable synthetic fuels.

Ford, Bill Ford, said, "This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the history of Ford Motorsports, which have began when my grandfather won a race that helped launch our company."

He added, "Ford is returning to the pinnacle of sport, bringing its long tradition of innovation, sustainability, and electrification into one of the mosmostt visible showcases in the world."

‌F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali expressed his excitement about Ford's return, stating, "Today's news that Ford will arrive in Formula 1 from 2026, it's great for the sport, and we're thrilled to see them join the other automotive partners."

"Ford is a global brand with an incredible automotive and racing heritage." He went on to say, "Our platform delivers tremendous value with over half a billion fans worldwide."

"Our commitment to the net-zero carbon by 2030 and to introduce sustainable fuels in F1 cars from 2026 is also an important reason for Ford's decision."

Ford has a rich history in F1, with its Cosworth DFV V8 engine dominating the sport from 1967 until the advent of the turbo era in the early 1980s.

The DFV is still considered the most successful engine in F1 history, with 155 victories under its belt. Despite retiring from the sport in 2003, Ford continued to have success in F1, winning a further 21 grands prix.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the FIA President, said, "There are a few manufacturers that have such a celebrated motorsport history as Ford, and seeing its return to the FIA Formula 1 World Championship is excellent news which also underlines the success of the PU Regulations in 2026, which have a commitment to sustainability and entertainment at their heart."

The partnership between Red Bull and Ford is a major step forward for both companies and for F1 as a whole.

The reentry of a prestigious car manufacturer such as Ford into the sport of Formula One has generated a sense of heightened anticipation and the prospect of further advancements.