A well-known brand returns to F1! American carmaker joins forces with Red Bull

Formula 1 has once again brought a surprise. The highlight of the day was supposed to be the unveiling of the Red Bull monocoque for the 2023 season, but instead the audience learned that American carmaker Ford is returning to the queen of motorsport after 19 years. From 2026, it will be supplying engines to Red Bull.

With the change in regulations, several brands have already applied to enter F1. Apart from Audi, which is working with Sauber, there is also speculation about Porsche. And Michael Andretti even wants to enter with a brand new stable.

Ford last appeared in one of motorsport’s most famous competitions in 2004. But that result is forgettable, with the Jordan-Ford team finishing ninth among the constructors with just five points.

Red Bull has much bigger ambitions. Max Verstappen has reigned supreme in the World Championship for the past two years. The Austrian team has ended Mercedes’ domination and is determined not to let any rivals get ahead of it this year.

“Ford is a global brand with a huge heritage in racing and the automotive world and sees great value in the fact that our platform has more than half a billion fans around the world,” F1 boss Stefano Domenicali said of the situation, quoted by Motorsport. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem also commented positively on Ford’s entry.

Although the last performance of the American manufacturer did not bring a good result, Ford ranks among the most successful manufactures in the queen of motorsport.

It has ten Constructors’ Cup titles and thirteen drivers’ championships to its credit. What the results of the collaboration itself will bring, we will not know until four years from now.

For now, the advantages or disadvantages of the deal can only be speculated, as in virtually every aspect of Formula 1.

What remains clear, however, is that F1 will change radically from the 2026 season onwards. New engine suppliers, a potential new team and a further expansion of American interest in the sport. Simply put, we have a lot to look forward to.

Sources