The American giant is roaring back into the paddock alongside Red Bull Powertrains, launching a strategic alliance that could reshape the competitive landscape as F1 approaches its most significant technical overhaul in decades.

After 22 years away, Ford Motor Company will return to Formula 1 as the official partner of Red Bull Powertrains, powering Red Bull Racing and its sister team VCARB (Visa Cash App RB) starting in the 2026 season.

The announcement marks not only the comeback of one of motorsport’s most iconic brands, but also the beginning of a transformative phase in the sport’s technological evolution.

A comeback with purpose

The Ford Racing Season Launch, scheduled for January 15, 2026, in Detroit, will serve as the official kickoff of this new era. The event will unveil the 2026 liveries for both teams and present the technical project that merges American heritage with the engineering strength of Milton Keynes.

Jim Farley, Ford CEO, summarized the vision in statements shared with RedBullRacing.com:

“It’s not just about putting our name on a car. We want to use what we learn in Formula 1 to build better vehicles for our customers. F1 is a laboratory of innovation, and we’re here to win.”

The power of the 2026 regulations

Ford’s return aligns perfectly with the introduction of the 2026 technical regulations, which will completely redefine the power unit architecture. Engines will produce 50% more electric power, run on 100% sustainable fuel, and reinforce the sport’s commitment to environmental innovation.

For Red Bull, the timing is ideal. After parting ways with Honda, the team is embarking —for the first time in its history— on building its own power units. Ford contributes hybrid expertise, infrastructure, funding, and development capability, positioning Red Bull Ford Powertrains as a central player in the new era.

More than a technical partnership

While the technical side is massive, the symbolic weight is equally important. Ford isn’t returning just to win — it’s returning to build presence, shape narrative, and connect with the next generation of fans.

The brand that once dominated Le Mans and made history in F1 alongside Cosworth now seeks to leave its mark in a digital, electrified world.

With Red Bull as a dominant force and its technical structure expanding rapidly, Detroit and Milton Keynes are ready to write the next chapter in motorsport history together.