Ford is returning to F1
► Ford to join grid in 2026
► Just in time for new PU rules
► Ends an absence of over two decades
Ford is returning to Formula One in 2026. The move was confirmed in New York after weeks of intense speculation – and at least one leak – and will see the Blue Oval back in the sport after an absence of more than twenty years. You’d have to go back to the Jaguar team for Ford’s last dabble in F1.
Look past the 20-ish year hiatus, and Ford has always been a major part of Formula One. Long before its tie up with Stewart and eventual Jaguar project, a Ford V8 powered Michael Schumacher’s Benetton to the 1994 title. And long before that, the Ford Cosworth DFV V8 dominated F1 during the 60s and 70s.
This time Ford won’t be using a V8, though, instead it’ll be entering F1 with an all-new V6 hybrid powerplant. The Blue Oval’s return kicks in just in time for the simpler, rejigged powertrain rules which will see a more powerful 350kW motor, sustainable fuels – and no MGU-H.
Despite being less sophisticated, the powertrain new rules have ultimately proven to a draw for car makers; new entries Audi and Ford are now confirmed for the 2026 grid, with Honda also registering an interest in re-joining the sport.
What’s in it for Ford?
Ford’s name has been etched into Formula One history thanks to its Cosworth badge and legendary DFV block – but what’s in it for the Blue Oval in 2023? The reasons are likely two-fold. In addition to a place to develop electrified engine technology and sustainable fuels, F1’s recent growth in North America means it’s now even more of a viable space for advertising. There are now F1 races in Miami, Texas and soon Las Vegas – and all three have been partly driven by Drive to Survive’s success across the pond.
‘The news today that Ford is coming to Formula 1 from 2026 is great for the sport and we are excited to see them join the incredible automotive partners already in Formula 1,” said Stefano Domenicali, President, and CEO of Formula 1. ‘Ford is a global brand with an incredible heritage in racing and the automotive world and they see the huge value that our platform provides with over half a billion fans around the world… 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.’
We’ll update this story when we know more
Keyword: Ford to return to F1 in 2026