OFFICIAL: Ford announces its return to F1!

A few months after the officialization of Audi's big debut in the premier category, another behemoth has just announced its return to Formula 1. In 2026, when the new engine regulations are introduced, the American manufacturer Ford will indeed join the grid, twenty-two years after its last involvement via the Cosworth structure with Jordan and Jaguar in 2004.

“This is the start of an exciting new chapter in Ford’s motorsport history, which began when my great-grandfather won a race that helped launch our company.”, said Bill Ford, executive chairman. “Ford returns to the pinnacle of the sport, bringing its long tradition of innovation, sustainability and electrification to one of the world's most visible stages. »

Ford left F1 in 2004

The growing audiences of F1, the growing interest of the United States in the discipline, and the enormous step taken by the promoter and by the FIA ​​towards more sustainability and electrification of the engines finally convinced Ford to interest in coming back. The Detroit brand is not returning to unknown territory since, although it has never committed itself in its name as an F1 Manufacturer, it remains to this day the third most successful engine manufacturer in the championship with 10 Manufacturers' titles and 13 pilots.

Ford makes their long-awaited return to F1! 👀#F1 @FordPerformance https://t.co/lHjndohz3I

- Formula 1 (@ F1) February 3, 2023

“The news of Ford joining Formula 1 from 2026 is bound to be great news for the sport and we are delighted to see them join our incredible partners already on the Formula 1 grid”, said Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1. “Ford is a global brand with an incredible heritage in racing and the automotive world and I’m thrilled they have seen the enormous value our platform provides with more than half a billion fans around the world .”

“Our commitment to being Net Zero Carbon by 2030 and the introduction of sustainable fuels from 2026 is also an important reason behind their decision to enter F1,” added the Italian. On the other hand, Ford has not yet specified whether it was returning as an engine manufacturer in partnership with a team already on the grid, or whether it intended to buy an F1 team and become involved in operational matters on a sporting level. All signs point towards the first option, with a well-known team potentially expected to present its car that same day... In 2026, the Detroit brand will therefore be invested in Formula 1, in WEC and IMSA via the Mustang GT3, in WRC with M-Sport, and also at the Dakar with the Ranger Raptor. 

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