Ford has signalled it intends to remain in F1 for the long term - but asserted electrification is crucial for it to stay involved.
The American automotive giant is tying forces with Red Bull Powertrains next year to aid the development of Red Bull's first in-house-built engine.
Its arrival comes amid the introduction of fresh power unit regulations, which will see an equal 50-50 split between combustion engine and electrical performance.
The campaign will mark the first time in over 20 years that Ford has dipped its toes into F1.
Global director of Ford Performance Mark Rusbrook has confirmed it is not planning to back away from the series anytime soon.
“That is definitely our intent,” Rushbrook told Autosport, highlighting Ford's long-term ambitions.
“We're committed to working with all the other stakeholders for what is the right thing for the future of this sport.
“Is it going to be exactly what any single manufacturer wants? No. But that's part of the process, because at the end of the day, if that discussion is exactly what we want and every other manufacturer leaves, then it's not a healthy sport either.
“We know that and the other manufacturers know that as well. So you've got to work together for the good of the sport, the health of the sport and that basically means being partners off the track.
“You want to race each other fiercely on the track, but you need to work together off the track.”
Earlier this year, there was talk of a return to combustion engines in the near future with sustainable fuel.
Rushbrook has confirmed Ford is against such an idea.
“For Ford Motor Company, we believe there should be some form of electrification in there,” he said.
“That's part of what attracted us to the 2026 rules. It's all about that balance between the ICE (internal combustion engine) and electrification. Does it need to be 50-50? No, not necessarily.
“As long as we have the opportunity to contribute, to learn and to bring knowledge to our road cars, then that's ideally what we're looking for.”
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