Yes, Ford is officially returning to Formula 1 in 2026 as a technical partner with Oracle Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri (now Racing Bulls), developing the next-generation hybrid power units with Red Bull Powertrains, focusing on battery tech, motors, and software for sustainable F1. After a two-decade absence, this marks a significant return for the iconic automaker, leveraging F1's new tech focus for both racing and road cars.
We're incredibly excited to begin this new chapter, driven by the same determination and excellence that defines both Ford and Red Bull.” Jim Farley, President and CEO of Ford Motor Company said: 'Since we announced our return to F1 with Red Bull, the Ford team have been working night and day to get ready for 2026.
The 2026 season marks Ford's first return to Formula 1 in 22 years through a partnership with Red Bull. The launch will also feature the debut of Red Bull's two F1 teams with Ford Powertrains' new power unit.
Audi became the first team to run a 2026 Formula 1 car as they held a filming day in Barcelona on Friday. Audi have taken over what was previously the Sauber team, but have become a works outfit and are producing their own engine under the sport's new technical regulations for this season.
NEW YORK, Feb. 3, 2023 — After more than two decades, Ford is returning to Formula 1. The iconic American automaker and Red Bull Powertrains are entering into a long-term strategic technical partnership for the development of a next-gen hybrid power unit to be used from the 2026 Formula 1 season onward.
The poor performance of the F1. 09 chassis contributed to BMW's withdrawal from Formula One at the end of the season. Although BMW Sauber targeted the 2009 season as the year they would challenge for the title, their start to the season was a disappointment.
Oliver Bearman (top left), Kimi Antonelli (top centre), Jack Doohan (top right), Gabriel Bortoleto (bottom left), Liam Lawson (bottom centre) and Isack Hadjar (bottom right) made their debuts as full-time drivers with Haas, Mercedes, Alpine, Sauber, Red Bull Racing, and Racing Bulls, respectively.
German car manufacturer Audi is contracted to compete in Formula One as a constructor and power unit manufacturer from 2026 onwards. Audi Revolut F1 Team was formed through the acquisition of Sauber, with engines developed by Audi Formula Racing GmbH.
Is the Number 69 Banned in F1? Number 69 is not officially banned by the FIA, but no driver has chosen it since the system was introduced in 2014.
Sign up here. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who was attending the race at Monza, told reporters in July that Formula One could go back to noisy normally-aspirated V8 engines with fully sustainable fuel and a small electric element in 2029.
Why Enzo Ferrari Reneged On Ford's Deal. Ford had made it clear it wanted full control over Ferrari's budget, which meant Enzo wouldn't have had free rein over his race team. The Italian had always been unequivocal that the road car side of his business was only there to fund the race team, which was his real passion.
Verstappen won the 2021 title driving the Red Bull-Honda RB16B. In October 2020, Honda announced they would withdraw from Formula One at the end of the 2021 season, citing their need to focus resources on next-generation road vehicle technologies to make necessary strides towards carbon neutrality.
F1's Current Technology Focus:
Musk is a proponent of fully electric vehicles, and Tesla has focused exclusively on EVs. F1 still relies on hybrid engines with internal combustion, which may not align with Musk's long-term vision for sustainable transport.
Ford Returns to Formula 1 as a Strategic Partner to Oracle Red Bull Racing. After more than two decades, Ford is returning to Formula 1.
Le Mans History 1969 Ford GT 40 #6 (Part 1of 5) In 1969, the Ford GT40 1075 became the most glorious racing car in history. Already victorious at Le Mans in 1968, it also took victory that year at Brands Hatch, Spa, Watkins Glen and in early 1969 at Sebring.
While numbers like 5 and 14 symbolize the greatness of champions like Vettel and Alonso, the number 17 was retired to honor Jules Bianchi, who tragically passed away after a 2014 accident. This gesture respects his legacy and ensures his memory endures.
Flavio Briatore has returned to Formula 1 as Alpine's new team principal, 16 years after receiving a lifetime ban for being apart of one of motorsport's most infamous scandals.
A Formula One car will generate over 5G at the apex of the corner - the highest lateral G on the entire 2024 calendar - meaning in that moment the driver will feel a force five times their body weight. To put that into perspective, George Russell weighs 70 kilograms.
Lamborghini isn't in F1 because it doesn't fit their business strategy or VW Group's brand “lane assignments.” The cost/complexity of modern hybrid F1 power units is massive, road-relevance is limited for a V12 hybrid supercar maker, and the Group already designated other brands (Audi/Porsche) for F1.
Yes, Formula 1 is set to expand to 11 teams in 2026 with Cadillac (General Motors) joining, and there's strong discussion and intent from the FIA to potentially add a 12th team, with the rules allowing up to 12, though securing the right manufacturer/bid remains key. The current Concorde Agreement allows for up to 12, and while Liberty Media and teams resisted initially, Cadillac's successful, manufacturer-backed bid opened the door for a 12th entry, with a Chinese manufacturer being a focus for the FIA, says ESPN and Motorsport Week.
Porsche's decision not to compete in Formula 1 is rooted in its strategic vision and commitment to creating cars that last. While F1 offers a platform for cutting-edge racing technology, Porsche's engineering philosophy has always been centered around durability, reliability, and sustainability.
Most popular F1 team
McLaren picked up 28% of votes and was the most popular team in each of the main countries surveyed, beating Ferrari which received 23%. Williams (14%) beat Red Bull (10%) and Mercedes (10%) to third spot. Aston Martin was voted sixth most popular ahead of RB, Haas, Sauber and Alpine.
Perez's season nosedived, and Red Bull decided to get rid of him after all - while paying him millions for the two years remaining on his new contract! Sainz signed for Williams, where he shone in 2025, while Red Bull picked Lawson to replace Perez - so it is still paying for that decision now, in more ways than one...