Do Fords race in F1?
No, Ford does not currently have a factory-backed team or engine program in Formula 1 (F1). The last time Ford was directly involved in F1 was through its Cosworth engine division, which supplied engines to various teams from the 1960s to the 1990s. However, Ford has not been an active participant in the top echelon of motorsports since then.
Ford's History in Formula 1
Ford's involvement in F1 dates back to the 1960s, when the company's Cosworth engineering division developed the iconic DFV V8 engine. This engine went on to power numerous championship-winning cars, including the Lotus 49 and McLaren M23. Ford's Cosworth engines were used by various teams throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and into the early 1990s, with the last Cosworth-powered car competing in F1 in 1993.
After the withdrawal of Cosworth from F1, Ford did not have a direct presence in the sport for many years. The company has explored potential returns to F1 over the years, but has not committed to a full-fledged factory program since its previous involvement.
Why Aren't Fords in F1 Today?
There are a few key reasons why Ford does not currently have a team or engine program in Formula 1:
- Lack of Competitiveness: The costs and technical challenges of developing a competitive F1 engine and chassis have proven to be a significant barrier for many automakers, including Ford. The company may not see a clear path to being competitive in the sport.
- Shifting Priorities: Ford has been focusing its motorsports efforts on other racing series, such as NASCAR, the World Endurance Championship, and various electric vehicle racing initiatives. The company may see better opportunities for success and marketing in these other motorsports arenas.
- Financial Considerations: Competing in F1 requires a substantial financial commitment, with teams spending hundreds of millions of dollars per year. Ford may not be willing to allocate the necessary resources to be a competitive force in the sport.
While Ford's past involvement in F1 was significant, the company's current priorities and the challenges of the sport have led it to focus its motorsports efforts elsewhere. Unless Ford sees a clear path to success and a compelling business case for a return to F1, it is unlikely that the iconic American automaker will be seen on the Formula 1 grid in the near future.
Why doesn't Ford race in F1?
It's becoming harder and harder for car manufacturers to justify the expense of competing in F1, doesn't matter if it's an American, Japanese or European brand. Ford pulled out of F1 because of the expense nearly 20 years ago, and costs have skyrocketed since.
Is Ford currently in F1?
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 the next-gen hybrid power unit to be used from the 2026 Formula 1 season onwards.
Is Ford joining Red Bull?
Ford is also partnering with Oracle Red Bull Racing as it works towards the brand's return to F1 in 2026 with Red Bull Ford Powertrains.
Is Ford making engines for F1?
It is the location on the Red Bull Campus in Milton Keynes where Red Bull Powertrains and Ford are working away with hundreds of employees on Red Bull's own engine project for 2026. That year, both the engine and chassis regulations will undergo a major overhaul in F1.
Who are Ford replacing F1?
American car giant Ford is returning to Formula 1 with Red Bull after more than 22 years out of the sport. The company will part-fund Red Bull's engine from 2026, replacing Honda. The deal was announced as Red Bull revealed their new car livery for the 2023 F1 season at a launch event in New York on Friday.
Will Ford ever return to F1?
Ford returns to F1 after 22 years with a championship-winning team, benefitting from the technology transfer — F1 serves as a high-speed laboratory for future road car innovations — as well as the marketing might of F1, without the liability of a team or a total engine program.
Is Ford trying to get into F1?
Ford returns to F1 after 22 years with a championship-winning team, benefitting from the technology transfer — F1 serves as a high-speed laboratory for future road car innovations — as well as the marketing might of F1, without the liability of a team or a total engine program.
Has Ford ever raced in F1?
Ford entered Formula One for the first time in 1967 with the now legendary DFV engine. The engine was a partnership with Cosworth Racing and was unveiled in April 1967. Just 2 months later, the engine made its debut in the Dutch Grand Prix and won the race in the back of Jim Clark's Lotus Ford.
Is Chevy in F1?
General Motors is going Formula 1 racing, the series announcing on Monday that it has agreed a deal in principle that will see the automaker from Detroit join the grid beginning in 2026.
Is Porsche joining F1?
As it's believed to have ended its formal evaluation of a program despite. The championship still being of Interest. The stars are aligned for a while then it seemed completely incompatible.
