Ford announced this Friday its return to Formula 1 in 2026, through the Red Bull team, 32 years after Germany’s Michael Schumacher won the American carmaker’s 13th and final championship title.
“Red Bull Powertrains and Ford are teaming up to develop a next-generation hybrid powertrain that will power the Red Bull and AlphaTauri teams through at least 2030″announced the manufacturer.
Before revealing its association with the World Constructors’ Championship team, which has Dutchman Max Verstappen, two-time World Drivers’ Champion, and is currently equipped with engines developed by Japan’s Honda, Ford had announced this Friday its intention to return to the Formula 1 in 2026, coinciding with changes in engine regulations.
“Automotive giant Ford has confirmed its intention to return to Formula 1 when new engine regulations are introduced in 2026, meaning a new chapter will be written in the American company’s rich sporting history.”is the statement of Formula 1.
Ford’s presence in the Grand Circus began in the 1960s, with the DFV (‘Double Four Valve’, with four valves per cylinder) engine, co-developed with Britain’s Cosworth, which achieved 155 race wins between 1967 and 1985 262 races.
The first world champion title was won by Englishman Graham Hill, in a Lotus, in 1968, and the last by Schumacher, in Benetton, in 1994, a total of 13 drivers’ titles and 13 manufacturers’ titles – the third – successful in history of the competition.
About 20 years after its last presence, which dates back to 2004, the call of future regulations, with more electric power and 100% renewable fuels, invites us to return to the starting grid.
“The news of Ford coming to Formula 1 from 2026 is great for the sport and we are delighted to see them join the incredible motorsport partners already in Formula 1.”said Formula 1 executive director and president, Italian Stefano Domenicali.
According to the official, the “commitment to carbon neutrality by 2030 and the introduction of sustainable fuels in Formula 1 single-seaters from 2026 is also a key reason for their return”.
Ford Motor Company executive chairman Bill Ford acknowledged that “This marks the start of an exciting new chapter in Ford’s motorsport history”started when his great-grandfather, Henry Ford, “won a race that helped launch the company”.
“Ford returns to the pinnacle of the sport, bringing Ford’s long tradition of innovation, sustainability and electrification to one of the most visible scenes in the world”he added.
This has been admitted by the president of the International Automobile Federation, Mohammed Ben Sulayem “Few manufacturers have such a rich motorsport history as Ford, so this return is great news.”.
Source: DN
