Back to Formula 1. That’s right, you’ll see the blue oval again on the Circuit of Monaco and Circuit of the Americas in a few years. What you may not know is that Ford’s dominance of Formula 1 in the 1960s and 1970s makes it one of the top three engine manufacturers in F1 history. Ford has announced that it will return to Formula 1 for the 2026 season. This is at the same time rumors are swirling, and Cadillac has just designed an all-new car for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Detroit 3 is all set to race to show off the capabilities of its new hybrid and electric powertrains.
Is Ford in Formula 1?
It announced in February 2023 that it plans to return to Formula 1 for the 2026 season. Not only is Formula 1 growing in popularity in the US, but by 2026 the FIA plans to introduce sustainable fuel, and be carbon neutral by 2030.
, so it’s going to be a very level playing field for Ford to get in. This is a good strategy to be used by Ford.
Specifically, Ford has announced that it is entering into a “strategic partnership” with an engine maker called Red Bull Powertrains. The partners plan to “develop a next-generation hybrid power unit for use from the 2026 Formula 1 season onwards.”
Two teams: Scuderia AlphaTauri and Oracle Red Bull Racing will run the in-development powertrain from 2026 through at least 2030.
Formula 1 is happy that Ford is back
More automakers in (or any motorsport) means more R&D money being spent on faster cars. It also means more competition. Formula 1 would be happy to add any OEM to their lineup. But the FIA seems particularly happy to have Ford back:
“There are few manufacturers with as famous a history in motorsport as Ford, so to see them return to the FIA Formula 1 World Championship is great news.”
President of the International Automobile Federation, Mohamed bin Sulayem
In its partnership with Red Bull, Ford plans to provide the expertise it has built by engineering its comprehensive hybrid lineup. This includes knowledge of battery cells and electric motor technology. It also includes software that goes into the controls of the hybrid power unit as well as analytics to look at performance.
What many people who don’t follow F1 may not know is that Formula 1 cars have been hybrids across the road for more than a decade. This means that the petrol engine drives the rear wheels while an electric motor drives the front, which helps with handling and fuel efficiency.
Ford is looking to show off its hybrid and electric drive technology
If you think of it from a manufacturer’s point of view, motorsport is an opportunity to put a car through a very public torture test and show off its performance and durability capabilities. Many American buyers have traditionally noted which drivetrains are the best for racing. For years, NASCAR’s unofficial manufacturer motto was “Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday.”
With the hybrid and electric revolutions, automakers are looking for ways to reassure buyers that their new engines are durable and perform well. Car racing is an excellent way to prove it. This is why we see all three Detroiters renew their ties to motorsports.
Ford is no different. This is what Bill Ford had to say about returning to F1:
“Ford is back at the pinnacle of the sport, bringing Ford’s proud traditions of innovation, sustainability and electrification to one of the world’s most visible stages.”
Bill Ford, CEO of Ford Motor Company
This article is being updated
Then, find out or watch Ford’s Return to Formula 1 TV spot in the video below:
Take a look at this homemade open-wheel race car powered by a Ford EcoBoost engine in the video below:
