After a hiatus that has lasted more than two decades, Ford has announced a return to Formula 1. Red Bull Powertrains (RBPT) and Ford have agreed a long-term technical partnership for the development of a new hybrid powertrain to be used from 2026 onwards.
Development of the new powertrain starts this year and will include a 350kW electric motor as well as a new combustion engine. The aim is to meet F1’s new technical regulations for the 2026 season. What should particularly be of excitement to motorsport fans is that this engine will be ready to run on sustainable fuels!
Ford have powered some of F1’s most revered names during its past tenure in the sport. Names like Jim Clark, Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher have all raced with Blue Oval power! The depth of motoring history as well as the innovation that an OEM manufacturer like Ford can offer makes the partnership a particularly compelling one for Red Bull.
Ford’s eventual aim is to be the only manufacturer competing in all racing disciplines from grassroots to Formula 1 by 2026! This includes WEC, IMSA, Le Mans 24hrs, WRC, Baja 1000, NASCAR, NHRA and Australasia’s own Supercars! A tall order but with Ford able to leverage their technology, innovations and motorsport history, it is an exciting future ahead for Ford fans!
Thanks for reading! For more Ford news and reviews, visit Tarmac Life.
Words by Matthew D’Souza, pictures courtesy of Ford Media Global.
