What years was Ford in F1?
Ford's involvement in Formula One spans multiple eras. The brand competed as a works constructor for a brief period in the late 1960s and then left the paddock as a factory entrant, while its engineering backbone—via the Cosworth DFV engine—powered countless cars across teams for years. As of today, Ford is not operating a factory F1 program.
Ford as a Works Team (1967–1969)
This period marks Ford's direct factory entry into Formula One, tied to the Lotus operation and the debut of the Cosworth DFV engine.
- 1967 — Ford begins formal factory involvement, backing Lotus and introducing the Cosworth DFV powerplant into the F1 field.
- 1968 — The works program continues, with Ford-backed Lotus competing across the season and taking wins and podiums.
- 1969 — Last year as a dedicated Ford works team; Ford withdraws from factory entry at the season's end.
The works-team era lasted 1967–1969, establishing Ford’s direct presence in Formula One and laying the groundwork for its enduring influence through engine technology.
The Cosworth DFV Era: Ford's Enduring Imprint on F1
Even after Ford stepped back from running a factory team, its financial backing and engineering support behind the DFV engine revolutionized the sport and powered many teams for more than a decade.
- 1967–1983 — The Cosworth DFV engine, backed by Ford, powers a wide array of teams, becoming one of the most successful and widely used power units in F1 history.
- 1983 — The DFV era winds down as turbocharged engines begin to dominate, but the DFV remains a benchmark of performance and reliability for years.
The DFV era represents the longest-lasting Ford-led footprint in Formula One, shaping car design, strategy, and the competitive landscape for well over a decade.
Current Status and Context
Today, Ford does not operate a factory Formula One team. The brand’s historical impact remains evident in the sport’s evolution, particularly through the DFV-era engineering and the way power units were developed and deployed by multiple teams in the hands of Ford's backing.
Contextual note on Ford's ongoing involvement
While Ford is not currently fielding a works entry, the company continues to influence motorsport technology and performance through partnerships and engineering programs that extend beyond Formula One into other racing disciplines.
Summary
Ford’s official F1 participation as a works team lasted from 1967 to 1969. Its broader, long-lasting impact came via the Cosworth DFV engine, which powered Formula One cars from 1967 to the early 1980s and shaped the sport for more than a decade. As of now, Ford is not a current factory entrant in Formula One, but its legacy remains a cornerstone of F1 history and engineering innovation.
