Ford, one of the biggest automakers in the United States, has stated that they will return to Formula 1 when new engine regulations are implemented in 2026. This will add another chapter to the American organization’s extensive history in the sport.
Ford’s involvement in Formula One dates all the way back to the 1960s and the DFV (Double Four Valve) engine, developed in collaboration with British engineering firm Cosworth. Between 1967 and 1985, the engine won 155 of 262 races (including a number of different designs).
Ford is the third most successful engine manufacturer in F1 history, having contributed to 10 constructors’ championships and 13 drivers’ championships, from their first title wins in 1968 with Graham Hill and Lotus to their most recent in 1994 with Michael Schumacher and Benetton.
Ford will return to the grid for the 2026 race, some 20 years after their last appearance in the sport in 2004, thanks to the appeal of the upcoming engine regulations for Formula One, which will include increased electrical power and fuels that are 100 percent sustainable.
F1’s President and CEO, Stefano Domenicali, said: The announcement that Ford will join Formula 1 in 2026 is excellent news for the sport, and we are thrilled that they will join the incredible automotive partners already in the sport.
“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.
“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.”
Ford Motor Company Executive Chairman Bill Ford made the following statement: This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Ford’s motorsports history, which began when Henry Ford, my great-grandfather, won a race that helped establish our business.
“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.”
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem added: “There are few manufacturers who have such a celebrated motor sport history as Ford, so to see them coming back to the FIA Formula 1 World Championship is excellent news.
“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 motor sport category.”
Ford’s announcement comes after Audi announced plans to enter Formula One starting in 2026. This week, the German company bought a minority stake in the Sauber operation that will become their works team.
