It is official, Ford is set to return to the top tier of motorsport after confirming a strategic partnership with reigning constructor champions; Oracle Red Bull Racing.
After speculation and rumours of the collaboration began to emerge, Ford has finally presented the latest partnership which will see the famed Blue Oval partner for the development of the next-gen hybrid power unit that will supply engines to both Oracle Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri teams from 2026 to at least 2030.
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For those that are well versed in the history of motorsport, this will not be the first foray for Ford in the top flight of motorsport. Originally entering into the series for the first time in 1967, the automaker managed 10 Consturctors’ championships, 13 Drivers’ championships and remains the 3rd most successful engine manufacturer in the history of the sport during their dotted tenure.
After almost two decades out of the sport, this strategic partnership will help bolster Ford’s focus on sustainable racing and advanced hybrid technologies. Ford will provide expertise in areas including battery cell and electric motor technology as well as power unit control software and analytics. Red Bull Ford will provide the power units for both the Oracle Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri teams from 2026 to at least 2030.
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“This is the start of a thrilling new chapter in Ford’s motorsports story that began when my great-grandfather won a race that helped launch our company,” said Bill Ford, executive chair. “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.”
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 350 kW electric motor and a new combustion engine able to accept fully sustainable fuels, ready for the 2026 season.
“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,” said Jim Farley, President and CEO, Ford Motor Company. “F1 will be an incredibly cost-effective platform to innovate, share ideas and technologies, and engage with tens of millions of new customers.”
“It’s fantastic to be welcoming Ford back into Formula 1 through this partnership,” said Christian Horner, Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal and CEO. “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 away but for us the work already starts as we look to a new future and a continued evolution of Oracle Red Bull Racing.”
