Ford Motor Co., which was financed and founded in 1903 on the racetrack, announced Friday that it’s making another strategic bet on its future by returning to Formula 1.
The global competition, which has been spotlighted by the popular Netflix series, “Drive to Survive,” is seeing a rise in popularity here in the U.S. And Ford is partnering with Oracle Red Bull Racing to form Red Bull Ford Powertrains starting in 2026.
Ford, which is currently led by CEO Jim Farley, a race car driver, is returning to Formula 1 after a 22-year absence.
This coveted deal with the championship Formula 1 team, is a “long-term strategic technical partnership for the development of hybrid powertrains for the 2026 Formula 1 Championship,” the automaker said.
Starting immediately, Red Bull Racing and Ford will develop together the powertrain that will be part of new technical regulations, including fully sustainable fuels, through at least 2030, Ford said.
Red Bull Ford Powertrains will provide the power units for both the Oracle Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri teams from 2026 to 2030. Ford will provide technical expertise including battery cell and electric motor technology, power unit control software and analytics.
Ford remains the third most successful engine manufacturer in F1 history with a total of 174 wins, the automaker said.
Ferrari and Mercedes are the only automakers with a better record.
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Contact Phoebe Wall Howard: 313-618-1034 or phoward@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @phoebesaid.