After being linked to Red Bull's engine plans, American manufacturer Ford has emerged as an unexpected prospect for a Formula One return in 2026.
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The automaker was last formally involved in Formula One with Jaguar from 2000 through 2004, however the team never attained the heights of success that were hoped for. After pulling the plug on the operation, it sold the squad to Red Bull which went on to many world championship triumphs. Ford also badged the Jordan team’s Cosworth engines as part of a separate contract to their works effort in 2003 and 2004. The ‘Blue Oval’ has shown little interest in returning afterwards, but the expansion of grand prix racing, particularly in the United States, is thought to have prompted it to consider its options. While it does not appear keen to support a full works team or produce its own power unit, sources indicate that a collaboration with the Red Bull team is being considered.
However, it has been made plain that it is open to interest from other manufacturers who may choose to collaborate with it – either as a badging exercise or to provide technical assistance. “We are entirely focused on a Red Bull power unit, and if there was a like-minded partner that could contribute anything to the project, then of course you would have to absolutely explore that,” Red Bull team boss Christian Horner said earlier this year. However, it is not required. “We will be the only team, other than Ferrari, to have engine and chassis all on one campus under one roof. “We believe that it is exactly the appropriate thing to do for the team’s long-term competitiveness. And, of course, there are other chances it provides.”
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Red Bull held preliminary conversations with Porsche this year regarding a 2026 alliance, but those talks fell through at the last minute because to concerns that the team would lose its full freedom. The termination of that agreement spurred speculation that current partner Honda could be the favourite to get involved, especially given its eagerness to help develop the type of electric power technology that would become more significant in F1 starting in 2026. However, sources have stated that Ford is discussing options with Red Bull, with the two firms currently collaborating in WRC.
A hypothetical Red Bull-Ford partnership would have significant repercussions for Honda, which has had its finest success in F1 in the last two years. While the future has been firmly linked to Red Bull, it is worth noting that the Japanese manufacturer has lodged its own submission with the FIA for the 2026 engine rules. This has opened the option for it to go it alone if Red Bull decides to go its own way.
