After more than 20 years, and as F1 transitions to a new and more electrified future, now is the time for Ford to make its long-awaited return to the FIA Formula One World Championship, the sport it dominated in the late ‘60s and ‘70s.
“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 Bill Ford, executive chair. “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 continues to grow its audience in key markets around the world including in the U.S. In addition, the FIA and F1 have a commitment to sustainability with increased use of electric power as well as sustainable fuels – one of the key reasons for Ford to return to Formula 1.
Despite leaving the sport in 2004, Ford remains the third most successful engine manufacturer in F1 history with 10 Constructors’ championships and 13 Drivers’ championships.
“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 Stefano Domenicali, President, and CEO of Formula 1. “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.”
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “There are few manufacturers who have such a celebrated motor sport history as Ford, so to see them coming back to the FIA Formula One 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 and Formula 1 will provide more details about Ford’s return to the circuit later this morning.