https://www.planetf1.com/news/ford-possible-future-f1-involvement/ With Formula 1 booming and Cadillac plotting a route to the grid, US manufacturing giant Ford have admitted they are considering a return to motorsport’s pinnacle. The world’s fifth-largest automobile producers are on a 19-year hiatus from F1, their badge last appearing on the grid in 2004 when Jordan and Nick Heidfeld were powered by Ford engines. The American car giant has ploughed its resources into other corners of motorsport since, with a focus on endurance racing and rally. But if there was ever a good time for a Formula 1 comeback, it’s now. Viewership figures have exploded Stateside, with an average of 1.21million fans tuning in for every Grand Prix last year. That’s 28 per cent more than the thrilling 2021 season, which itself saw a massive 54 per cent boom compared to 2020. Formula 1 has responded with two more Grands Prix in the United States, with races in Miami and Las Vegas joining Texas’ event on the 2023 calendar. Then there is the small matter of Ford’s key US rival, General Motors, announcing F1 plans. GM have backed Andretti’s bid to join the grid through their Cadillac brand, supplying the horsepower for a new all-American team to capitalise on the sport’s growth. The plans have been met with significant opposition by the established teams, fuelling a brewing war between F1 and the FIA. Chief of Ford’s racing arm, Mark Rushbrook, knows the 119-year-old American manufacturer can no longer afford to ignore F1. “Formula 1 is certainly strong and growing, both in the United States and globally,’ Rushbrook told Motorsport.com. “What they have done well is create great racing and great competition. It’s still the pinnacle, but they’ve been able to reach new audiences with things like Drive to Survive. “As a company we go racing for innovation, tech transfer, the learning opportunity, but also for marketing reasons as well. It’s shifted for sure, and it definitely requires consideration.” Asked whether General Motors’ plans will force Ford to respond, Rushbrook added: “Not necessarily. But it will be interesting to watch how that progresses, whether they will be successful in joining as an 11th team.” Ford have already been linked with Red Bull for 2026, when a new breed of power unit regulations will put a greater emphasis on electrical power and enforce the use of fully sustainable fuel. The development has already enticed Audi, with the German company set to turn Sauber into their works team in 2026. Porsche have also explored their options. Addressing Ford’s links to Red Bull, Rushbrook said: “We don’t comment on speculation, but it’s the same with all these series that are out there. “It’s our responsibility to study them and understand them, and then make decisions on whether it makes sense or doesn’t make sense. “Sustainable fuel definitely is something we’re interested in, but we’re already doing that in other series.” Ford Cosworth are F1’s third-most successful engine supplier in history, behind Ferrari and Renault. They have powered 10 Constructors’ Championships and 176 Grand Prix victories, with the likes of Michael Schumacher, Emerson Fittipaldi, Jackie Stewart and Nelson Piquet winning titles with Ford power units.
Ford obtained that success without owning a team, but by powering most of the field (bar Ferrari) at one point. It makes one wonder if it's not a wiser policy, for a major manufacturer, than having a single team carrying their aspirations. In fact, Ford failed later when they launched their own team, called Jaguar. Lessons to be learnt there !
Any coincidence that Red Bull is launching their car in New York suddenly? And apparently inviting a few Ford guys...
re doing a Ford Cosworth engine or PU makes sense. however your own team? Makes no sense. being a brand sponsor for Red Bull using a Honda engine .. makes even less sense.
I actually think being a title sponsor of the most likely challenger for the coming title makes a lot of sense, especially since they probably won't have to spend well over a billion to get a functioning engine... I'd rather it had been Porsche as it just works well with Red Bull, but they just wanted too much control. For a team that works pretty damn well, nothing needed changing.
Technically, Haas is very dependent from Ferrari, and most of their engineering is based in Italy anyway (Dalarra). I cannot see how Ford could fit in that team.
They do not and Haas is not going to duplicate an investment that is working-- with Ford who is not at all a racing figure in F1. Ford has stated they are looking for a technical and or marketing alignment. The team budget might be small but to build anything else is hundreds of millions. Like GM this is not about a sizeable investment to be a 'real player' in F1 at all. Nice headlines and free marketing because of said headlines. Nothing more so far. 2 years from now then what. New PU, regs and more investment. Ford are better off doing what they do best - making personal transport/SUV's and Trucks mostly. Racing is a luxury that no makers 'needs'. None of them. They sell all they build anyway.
Ford is no stranger to spending money to get name recognition. I like the idea of them backing an existing team and building a new engine. That accomplishes (if the engine is successful) exactly what they want to accomplish. As each day ticks buy.....Mario's chances to get a new team on the grid is less likely. The politics of F1 and Mario's self destructive behavior means that he will have to wait until an existing team comes up for sale.
Ferrari MB McLaren Audi Ford (Still maybe Porsche) (Maybe GM) ...that's a LOT of manufactures in one series, let alone F1! Bring on 2026. Hopefully interest stays hot for a few more years.
UK Telegraph says today at team launch in NY Ford will be announced as engine partner of Red Bull from 2026
With the new regulations coming I am all but done with this sport. But it will be interesting to see who they team with.
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/feb/03/ford-to-rejoin-formula-one-from-2026-season In a sense, "back to the future" as Red Bull was initially the Stewart Grand Prix team, financed by Ford, which became Jaguar. Back to the Roots... Rgds
Ford were stating this weeks ago. Marketing and a technical partnership around the PU. For RedBull its the only arrangement that is acceptable. They will not sell to another or be taken over. For F1 its nice to print but Ford are not a builder in the sense Ferrari or Renault or Honda are currently.
Sounds like Ford will play in all PU areas: It is anticipated that Ford will assist in the progress of the combustion engine development, as well as in areas like battery cell, electric motor technology, plus other software elements.
