The first four F1 teams to announce their contenders for the 2023 season are Haas, Red Bull, Williams and Alfa Romeo.
Red Bull used the RB19 platform to announce the formation of Red Bull Ford from the 2026 season. It will mark the return to F1 after a gap of 20 years when the last Ford Cosworth engine powered the 2004 Jordans.
Rumors of a possible Ford reinvestment in F1 surfaced last year and may have been the reason for the collapse of the proposed Red Bull Porsche deal.
Many will remember the phenomenal success of Ford Cosworth engines, especially the legendary DFV, used by several teams with incredible success in F1. Amassing 176 race wins, 10 Constructors’ Championships, 13 Drivers’ Championships and 681 race entries, the Ford Cosworth engine ranks third behind Ferrari and Mercedes.
Also read: FLOYD ON F1: Greener racing car weight issues
A new chapter for F1
Despite leaving F1 before the hybrid era, Ford Performance remains active in motorsport and participates in many racing series around the world, including the World Rally Championship, World Rallycross, Nascar and Australian Supercars.
Red Bull Ford from the 2026 season, a new partnership between Red Bull and Ford, will run from 2026 to 2030 and will provide expertise in things such as internal combustion and electric motors, control systems and development to achieve efficiency with sustainable fuel. .
Ford executive chairman Bill Ford is reported to have said: “This is the start of an exciting new chapter in Ford’s motorsport story which began when my grandfather won the race that helped launch our company.
“Ford returns to the sport, bringing a long tradition of innovation, sustainability and electrification to one of the world’s most visible stages.”
Also read: FLOYD ON F1: Weaving between team and FIA leaders
Boss likes it
Now it becomes interesting when I read the statement from Stefano Domenicali.
“The news that Ford is coming to F1 from 2026 is great for the sport and we’re delighted to see them join forces with the incredible automotive partners they already have in F1,” the F1 boss said.
“Ford is a global brand with an incredible heritage in racing and the automotive world and they see the great value that our platform provides with more than half a billion fans around the world.
Also read: Rumors are true: Frédéric Vasseur to become Ferrari F1 boss
“Our commitment to be Net Zero Carbon by 2030 and to introduce sustainable fuels in F1 cars from 2026 were also important reasons for our decision to enter F1.
“We can’t wait for the Ford logo to race on F1’s iconic circuit from 2026.”
What about the GM offer?
These words from the F1 CEO show great enthusiasm for the automotive giant returning to the sport. But it is somewhat ironic that the offer from another US automotive company was met with tremendous resistance by the team and commercial rights holders.
I totally understand General Motors, Cadillac’s situation involved in the formation of a new team. Unfortunately, it means that the research and development department, including the existing motorsport division, cannot be part of the global goal of greater engine efficiency, sustainable fuel and other innovative technologies in EVs, for the future of road transport.
Perhaps it is time to think again and go back to the era of motorsport when it comes to sports and develop a DFV that is equally modern and efficient, which will make many fans very happy.