Ford focused on Formula 1 comeback

February 24th 2023

The US giant’s return to F1 in partnership with Red Bull in 2026 will bring Ford’s modern-era involvement in grand prix racing full circle

Questions remain whether latest Enstone guise is more Schumacher-era or Berger and Alesi-esque

Grand Prix Photo

Back in the mid-1990s, Sir Jackie Stewart convinced Ford to finance the creation of his own Formula 1 team. Following three seasons and one victory – for Motor Sport columnist Johnny Herbert at the Nürburgring in 1999 – he then sold the team back to Ford, which re-branded it as Jaguar Racing. After five seasons of management turmoil and failure, the team was then sold to Red Bull, which within another five seasons won the first of four consecutive world titles with Sebastian Vettel.

Ford Zetec-R V8 engine — Powered by the Ford-funded Zetec-R V8

Grand Prix Photo

The new tie-up, confirmed at the launch of the Honda-powered RB19 in New York, draws Ford back to the team it helped create, to challenge for its first world title in what will be 32 years since Michael Schumacher won its last, with Benetton in 1994.

Christian Horner’s statement welcoming Ford emphasised how the company won’t be directly supplying Red Bull with engines – much like in 1967 when it merely stumped up the £100,000 required by Cosworth to build the DFV V8, which went on to become the most successful power unit in F1 history. “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,” said Horner.

Red Bull’s Christian Horner and Ford CEO Jim Farley announce their F1 tie-up.

red bull

But this is more than simply a ‘stickers’ deal. “Starting from 2023, Ford and Red Bull Powertrains will work to develop the power unit that will be part of the new technical regulations, including a 350kW electric motor and a new combustion engine able to accept fully sustainable fuels, ready for the 2026 season,” read Ford’s statement. The company said it had been drawn back to Formula 1 because of its “commitment to sustainability”, which aligns with F1’s pledge to be carbon-neutral by 2030, while also introducing sustainable fuel as part of the new engine regulations in 2026.

Ford last won a grand prix in 2003, when Giancarlo Fisichella’s Jordan-Ford was belatedly awarded the Brazilian GP following red flag confusion at Interlagos.