Ford is returning to F1 in 2026 with Red Bull

Ford has announced its return to F1 after inking a new long-term partnership with the current defending champions, Red Bull.

This new technical partnership between Ford and Red Bull Powertrains is set to begin in 2026 to develop the next-generation hybrid power unit for the Red Bull outfit. Say what you want but the 'EcoBoost' is going to F1, baby.

Red Bull Ford to provide power units to Oracle Red Bull Racing & Scuderia AlphaTauri

The deal when it comes to Red Bull Ford will see the supply of power units for both the Oracle Red Bull Racing as well as Scuderia AlphaTauri from 2026 to at least 2030. Starting this year, both Ford and Red Bull Powertrains will begin developing the next-gen F1 powertrain, which is going to include a 350kW electric motor and a new ICE engine that'll run on sustainable fuels.

According to Jim Farley, President and CEO, Ford Motor Company, "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. F1 will be an incredibly cost-effective platform to innovate, share ideas and technologies, and engage with tens of millions of new customers."

Developments for battery cells & other hybrid parts

Apart from providing technical expertise on developing the next-gen F1 powertrain with Red Bull, Ford is also planning to explore other key hybrid parts like battery cells, electric motor tech, power unit control software, and analytics.

If you're somehow snickering over the idea of Ford taking part in F1, you should know about its rich and prosperous history during the Ford-Costworth era that started way back in the 1960s up to the 1980s. And yes, they are serious about their future involving NEVs and developing their tech via the pinnacle of four-wheel motorsports.