Which F1 team uses Ford engines?
Ford has not yet supplied engines to any current Formula 1 team. As of 2025, no team races with a Ford power unit, though the company has publicly announced an intention to return to F1 as an engine supplier beginning in 2026 through a partnership with Red Bull Powertrains.
Current status in Formula 1
The following points summarize Ford's present involvement in F1 and whether any team uses Ford power units today.
- No current Formula 1 team uses Ford engines in competition.
- Ford has publicly announced plans to supply a new F1 power unit to Red Bull Powertrains starting in 2026.
In short, Ford is not on the grid as an engine supplier today, but a formal entry is planned for the 2026 season via a Red Bull Powertrains collaboration.
Historical context
Ford’s most famous era in Formula 1 came through its Cosworth-branded engines, notably the DFV and subsequent V8 era, which powered a wide range of teams and won multiple championships in the 1960s through the 1980s. Factory-backed involvement in F1 faded in the 2000s, and Ford exited as a direct engine supplier for most of the modern era. The current development path envisions a renewed Ford presence in F1, slated to begin with Red Bull Powertrains in 2026.
Potential implications for Formula 1
To understand how Ford's planned return could reshape the sport, consider the following points.
- The arrival of a new engine supplier could diversify the technical landscape and competition on track.
- Ford's partnership with Red Bull Powertrains may influence development timelines, costs, and strategic decisions across the engine supplier ecosystem.
These considerations depend on the final agreement terms, performance milestones, and how quickly the new power unit proves reliable on the grid.
Summary
At present, no Formula 1 team runs Ford engines. Ford has announced a future entry as an engine supplier beginning in 2026, aligned with Red Bull Powertrains. If realized, this would mark Ford's return to F1 after a long hiatus and could alter the balance of power among engine manufacturers.
Why is Red Bull switching to Ford engines?
Red Bull is partnering with Ford for the 2026 F1 season to gain a technical edge in developing the new power units, benefiting from Ford's expertise in areas like battery technology, electric motors, and software. This strategic partnership allows Red Bull Powertrains to access the resources and experience of a major manufacturer, which is crucial for competing with established engine suppliers, while still maintaining control of its chassis development.
- Technical expertise: Ford brings extensive experience in developing both combustion engines and hybrid systems, which is vital for the new 2026 regulations that emphasize electrification and sustainable fuels.
- Access to resources: The partnership provides Red Bull with access to Ford's technical resources, including their engineering knowledge in battery cell technology, electric motor development, and power unit control software.
- Strategic advantage: By partnering with Ford, Red Bull avoids the technical limitations of being an independent manufacturer and can better compete with the experience and resources of rival teams like Mercedes and Ferrari.
- Dual benefit: The collaboration is a strategic partnership, not just a branding exercise, which gives Red Bull access to a range of R&D, while Ford gets a cost-effective platform to innovate and engage with a new customer base.
- Market penetration: The partnership also helps Ford gain more penetration in the U.S. market, where the Red Bull F1 team is very popular.
Which F1 team is Ford?
2023 – Ford announced their return as a Formula 1 engine manufacturer for 2026 after nearly 20 years of absence in Formula 1 and will partner with Red Bull Powertrains as Red Bull Ford Powertrains. Red Bull Ford Powertrains will supply engines to Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls.
Who makes Red Bull F1 engines?
Red Bull currently uses engines developed by Honda but badged under the Red Bull Powertrains (Honda RBPT) name. For the 2026 season and beyond, Red Bull Powertrains will develop engines in partnership with Ford.
You can watch this video to learn more about Red Bull's new F1 engine plan: 58sTHE RACEYouTube · Feb 16, 2021
- Current (2022-2025): The engines are developed by Honda, with Red Bull Powertrains manufacturing and operating them. They are badged as "Honda RBPT".
- Future (2026 onwards): Red Bull Powertrains is developing new engines in partnership with Ford for the 2026 season.
This video explains the Red Bull x Ford F1 partnership: 54sOvertake FansYouTube · Nov 24, 2025
Do any F1 teams use Ford engines?
Red Bull Ford will provide the power units for both the Oracle Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri teams from 2026 to at least 2030.
