Ford says involvement in F1 now ‘requires consideration’

Ford believes that Formula 1’s growing popularity cannot be ignored which has prompted the manufacturer to consider a potential involvement in the sport.

Rumors have steadily been gaining pace since the end of last year that Ford is holding talks with Red Bull Racing over a possible partnership from 2026 when F1 ushers in its new power unit regulations.

So far, the famous Blue Oval hasn’t given anything away regarding its intentions. But the sport’s exponential growth and the foothold it has gained in the United States under Liberty Media’s stewardship has shifted Ford’s mindset towards F1 which now “requires consideration”.

“Formula 1 is certainly strong and growing, both in the United States and globally,” Ford Performance boss Mark Rushbrook told Motorsport.com.

“What they have done well is create great racing and great competition. It’s still the pinnacle, but they’ve been able to reach new audiences with things like Drive to Survive.

“As a company we go racing for innovation, tech transfer, the learning opportunity, but also for marketing reasons as well. It’s shifted for sure, and it definitely requires consideration.”

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Regarding the rumor of a tie-up between Ford and Red Bull, Rushbrook wouldn’t be drawn into confirming or denying the hearsay.

“We don’t comment on speculation, but it’s the same with all these series that are out there,” he said.

“It’s our responsibility to study them and understand them, and then make decisions on whether it makes sense or doesn’t make sense.”

As the force behind the development of the legendary Cosworth engine, Ford has written several important chapters in the history of Grand Prix racing.

It was last involved in the sport in 2004, its final year of ownership of the Jaguar team. Thereafter, the automotive giant switched its main focus to the World Rally Championship.

Despite the automobile’s industry paradigm shift to electric mobility, Ford believes that racing categories outside of that arena carry value, especially with the advent of sustainable fuels to which F1 will shift under its new engine rules in 2026.

“Sustainable fuel definitely is something we’re interested in, but we’re already doing that in other series,” explained Rushbrook.

“The WRC has it, starting last year, and that’s been a great part of the story and learning for us.

“The vehicles we sell, some regions are shifting to full electric faster than others, some will stay ICE for longer.

“But we want to be sustainable in what we do as a company, not just producing electric cars but also being more sustainable with ICE.

“We support all series, whether we participate or not, switching to more sustainable fuel.”

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