Ford broadens its involvement with Red Bull F1 for 2026.

Ford broadens its involvement with Red Bull F1 for 2026.

      "We also aimed to gain deeper insights into electrification."

      Ford has confirmed that its return to Formula 1 next year will involve a comprehensive collaboration with Red Bull’s in-house engine program starting in 2026 and continuing thereafter. "Initially, we were not keen on working with the combustion engine," stated Ford motorsport director Mark Rushbrook in an interview with Auto Motor und Sport. "We're pursuing it now because there's still much for us to learn in this field. We originally assisted with parts production, but we are now involved in nearly the entire car and its operational aspects."

      Rushbrook noted that Ford's comeback was driven by the introduction of new regulations, the push for carbon neutrality, and the global resurgence of Formula 1. "We also aimed to enhance our understanding of electrification—specifically battery chemistry, powertrains, inverters, calibration, and control, along with how these components interact with the combustion engine," he elaborated.

      The American automaker has a rich history in F1, boasting 176 wins, 10 constructors' titles, and 13 drivers' championships through Cosworth. However, their previous attempt ended poorly—acquiring Stewart GP in 1999, rebranding it as Jaguar, and ultimately selling it to Red Bull in 2005. "Our last collaboration was with Jaguar, and we realized we weren't particularly good at it," Rushbrook confessed. "Currently, we don’t have a full program with a manufacturer anywhere."

      Now partnering with Red Bull, Ford feels the timing is ideal. "They had just opted to start developing their own program for 2026. The project was in its infancy, and even then, they understood that resources were constrained, even for a major F1 team, especially since Milton Keynes had never developed its own engine previously."

      Since 2019, Red Bull has been using Honda engines in a nearly exclusive partnership, while customer teams like Haas and Williams typically adapt to engines supplied by Ferrari or Mercedes. Meanwhile, Cadillac plans to enter in 2026 with Ferrari engines as a customer before GM develops its own by 2028. "Cadillac will join Formula 1 in 2026 with Ferrari engines, and we welcome any competition," Rushbrook stated. "Whether it’s Ferrari cars with Ferrari engines, Cadillac cars with Ferrari engines, or any other competitors."

Other articles

Rumors regarding Cadillac F1 suggest a lineup featuring Bottas and Perez. Rumors regarding Cadillac F1 suggest a lineup featuring Bottas and Perez. Formula 1 | Cadillac is expected to announce its inaugural Formula 1 driver lineup, with significant speculation suggesting that Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez will be part of the team’s (…) Ocon: The atmosphere at Haas is healthier than at Alpine. Ocon: The atmosphere at Haas is healthier than at Alpine. Esteban Ocon spent five seasons with the Alpine team, with which he achieved his first and, to date, only victory at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix. In 2025 the French driver is racing for Haas, and after fourteen races he made a striking comparison between the two teams that was not in favor of the Enstone outfit. Hamilton ‘unlike Sainz’ during Ferrari's difficulties Hamilton ‘unlike Sainz’ during Ferrari's difficulties Formula 1 | Frederic Vasseur acknowledges that Lewis Hamilton's challenging beginning at Ferrari has proven to be more difficult than anticipated. When he joined Ferrari, we somewhat foolishly assumed (…) Bottas and Pérez rejected Alpine's offer. Bottas and Pérez rejected Alpine's offer. The racing world, in the absence of any official news from Cadillac's camp, continues to discuss rumors about the team's possible lineup for next season. Lewis Hamilton: You have to keep going, even if it's hard. Lewis Hamilton: You have to keep going, even if it's hard. Lewis Hamilton spent the final part of his summer holiday on warm seas aboard a yacht, although he didn't stop training — after all, there were only a few days left until the Dutch Grand Prix. Piastri: It is important to maintain team unity. Piastri: It is important to maintain team unity. Oscar Piastri believes that his relationship with his teammate remains unchanged because both are determined to preserve McLaren’s unity...

Ford broadens its involvement with Red Bull F1 for 2026.

Formula 1 | Ford has announced that its return to Formula 1 next year will involve a complete partnership with Red Bull's internal engine program for 2026 and future seasons. (…)