Ford has announced that it will make its return to Formula 1 in 2026, which will be over 20 years since its last involvement in the sport. The car maker dominated F1 in the late 60s and 70s as an engine manufacturer with Cosworth, making it the third most successful in F1 history with 10 Constructors' Championships and 13 Drivers' Championships. Ford was last involved in 2004 with the Jaguar team, the blue oval owned at the time, before selling the outfit to Dietrich Mateschitz and it became Red Bull Racing. Due to the implementation of new power unit regulations for 2026, which include sustainability targets, Ford have been drawn back to Formula 1. Bill Ford, executive chair at Ford, said: “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. “Ford 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.” Further details about the plans for Ford's return will be revealed later today.
Increased electric power and sustainable fuels key reasons why Ford returns
One of the key reasons why Ford is returning to Formula 1 is due to the increased focus on electrification and sustainable fuels, as the championship looks to reach Net Zero Carbon in 2030. Stefano Domenicali, F1 President and CEO, said: “The news today that Ford is coming to Formula 1 from 2026 is great for the sport and we are excited to see them join the incredible automotive partners already in Formula 1. “Ford is a global brand with an incredible heritage in racing and the automotive world and they see the huge value that our platform provides with over half a billion fans around the world. "Our commitment to be Net Zero Carbon by 2030 and to introduce sustainable fuels in the F1 cars from 2026 is also an important reason for their decision to enter F1. We believe that our sport provides the opportunity and reach unlike any other and we cannot wait for the Ford logo to be racing round F1’s iconic circuits from 2026.”
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