Ford to return to Formula One with Checho Pérez’s Red Bull Racing

Ford are set to return to Formula One after a 22-year absence after agreeing a link-up with Sergio ‘Checho’ Pérez’s Red Bull Racing. The engine manufacturer, who were last involved in the sport in 2004, will partially-fund the team’s engine from a minimum of four years from 2026 through to 2030, taking over from Honda.

Starting this year, Ford will begin developing a power unit along with Red Bull Powertrains for Red Bull Racing and their sister team AlphaTauri, which will start being used being used by both in 2026.

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What did Red Bull Racing CEO Christian Horner say about the Ford link-up?

“It’s fantastic to be welcoming Ford back into Formula One through this partnership. As an independent engine manufacturer to have the ability to benefit from an OEM’s experience like Ford puts us in good stead against the competition,” said Red Bull team boss Christian Horner.

“They are a manufacturer rich in motoring history that spans generations. From Jim Clark to Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher, the lineage speaks for itself. For us as Red Bull Powertrains to open the next chapter of that dynasty, as Red Bull Ford, is tremendously exciting.

“2026 is still a while a way but for us the work already starts as we look to a new future and a continued evolution of Oracle Red Bull Racing.”

Why have Ford decided to return to Formula One?

In recent times, Formula One have stressed their commitment to sustainability by setting specific goals in this area. One target is to have cars running on sustainable fuels by 2026, while another is for the sport to be carbon neutral by 2030. For Ford, this is an opportunity to show their “long tradition of sustainability”, according to Bill Ford, Ford Motor Company’s Executive Chairman:

“This is the start of a thrilling new chapter in Ford’s motorsports story that began when my great-grandfather [Henry Ford] won a race that helped launch our company. Ford, alongside world champions, Oracle Red Bull Racing, 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.”

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How many times Formula One championship victories have Ford been involved in?

Ford have been the engine manufacturer for 10 World Constructors’ Championship victories (1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1978, 1980, 1981), the third most behind Ferrari (16) and Renault (12). In those victories, they supplied the engine for Lotus, Matra, Tyrrell, McLaren and Williams.

Ford have provided the engine for 13 World Drivers’ Championship victories:

How many Formula One races will be held in the United States in 2023?

There will be three Formula 1 races held on US soil in 2023:

When is the 2023 Mexico City Grand Prix?

The Mexico City Grand Prix will take place on 29 October 2023 at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City.