American automotive giants Ford have confirmed their intention to make a Formula 1 comeback when new engine rules are launched in 2026, which means one other chapter shall be added to the American organisation’s wealthy historical past within the sport.
Ford’s involvement in F1 stretches all the way in which again to the Sixties and the DFV (Double Four Valve) engine, inbuilt partnership with British engineering agency Cosworth, which took 155 wins from 262 races between 1967 and 1985 (together with a number of variant designs).
From their first title wins with Graham Hill and Lotus in 1968 to their most up-to-date with Michael Schumacher and Benetton in 1994, Ford have performed a component in 10 constructors’ championships and 13 drivers’ championships – making them the third most profitable engine producer in F1 historical past.
Some 20 years on from their final participation in 2004, the attraction of F1’s future engine regulations – that includes elevated electrical energy and 100% sustainable fuels – will see Ford grace the grid as soon as once more from the 2026 marketing campaign.
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of F1, stated: “The information at present that Ford is coming to Formula 1 from 2026 is nice for the game and we’re excited to see them be a part of the unbelievable automotive companions already in Formula 1.
“Ford is a world model with an unbelievable heritage in racing and the automotive world and so they see the large worth that our platform offers with over half a billion followers world wide.
“Our dedication to be Net Zero Carbon by 2030 and to introduce sustainable fuels within the F1 vehicles from 2026 can also be an vital cause for his or her resolution to enter F1.
READ MORE: Formula 1 on course to deliver 100% sustainable fuels for 2026
“We believe that our sport provides the opportunity and reach unlike any other and we cannot wait for the Ford logo to be racing round F1’s iconic circuits from 2026.”
Bill Ford, Executive Chairman, Ford Motor Company, commented: “This is the beginning of an exhilarating new chapter in Ford’s motorsports story that started when my great-grandfather [Henry Ford] received a race that helped launch our firm.
“Ford is returning to the pinnacle of the sport, bringing Ford’s long tradition of innovation, sustainability and electrification to one of the world’s most visible stages.”
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem added: “There are few producers who’ve such a celebrated motor sport historical past as Ford, so to see them coming again to the FIA Formula 1 World Championship is good news.
“It further underlines the success of the 2026 Power Unit Regulations that have at their heart a commitment to both sustainability and spectacle, and of course having more interest from the United States is important for the continued growth of the world’s top motor sport category.”
Ford’s announcement follows on from Audi setting out plans to enter F1 from 2026, with the German producer this week acquiring a minority stake in the Sauber operation that can turn into their works staff.