Ford confirms return to Formula 1 from 2026!

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The Ford Motor Company has confirmed that it will return to Formula 1 in 2026, upon the introduction of the sports' new power unit regulations.

The Blue Oval – who funded F1's legendary Cosworth DFV engine - was last involved in Formula 1 almost 20 years ago, having owned the Jaguar F1 team which enjoyed its last season in 2004, after which Ford pulled the plug on its involvement, selling its asset to Red Bull.

Ford has been in talks with the Milton Keynes-based outfit since last year but the company's statement which was released ahead of the reigning world champion's presentation in New York on Friday of its 2023 season made no mention of its anticipated partner.

"This is the start of a thrilling new chapter in Ford's motorsports story that began when my great-grandfather won a race that helped launch our company," said Ford executive chair Bill Ford.

"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."

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali welcomed Ford's return to Grand Prix racing, and insisted how the sport's commitment to sustainability was a crucial catalyst that weighed on the automotive giant's decision to join the grid.

"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 the Italian.

"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.

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"Our commitment to be Net Zero Carbon by 2030 and to introduce sustainable fuels in the F1 cars from 2026 is also an important reason for their decision to enter F1.

"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."

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem was also delighted with Ford's commitment, insisting that the automotive giant's involvement is a clear validation of F1's 2026 engine rules.

"There are few manufacturers who have such a celebrated motorsport history as Ford, so to see them coming back to the FIA Formula 1 World Championship is excellent news," he said.

"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 motorsport category."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.