Ford confirms Red Bull F1 deal Instead of Purchasing a Team – Here's why

In a significant move, Ford is to return to the top of motorsport with Red Bull next year. But it was not always likely to happen—Ford was also weighing up other options, including purchasing an F1 team outright. So what did Red Bull ultimately have that sold them on Ford, and what does this partnership indicate for the sport?

From the Sidelines to the Fast Lane

It had been nearly two decades since Ford had last appeared in Formula 1 when it sold its Jaguar team to Red Bull in 2004. But with the rise of the sport and the introduction of the latest 2026 regulations, Ford was tempted back into the fast lane. The new engine regulations—emphasis on increased electrification, greener fuel, and net-zero ambitions—timed perfectly with Ford's shifting automotive ethos.

Mark Rushbrook, Director of Motorsports for Ford, had once rejected the notion of returning to F1. “If you would have asked me five years ago, and people did ask me, ‘Is Ford going to get back into Formula 1?’ then my answer was no. At the time, we didn’t think that F1 was the right place for us, but certainly, things have changed afterwards.”

Buying a team? Ford Thought It Over

Ford's F1 entry was not predestined. The automaker considered several options, including buying an existing team. "Before we had this deal with Red Bull, there were a lot of discussions going on," he said. "Some Formula 1 teams approached us, and we approached some teams as well."

Though Ford has a rich motorsport legacy, outright ownership was eventually reserved. The company understood that controlling an F1 team was outside its core expertise.

Why Red Bull?

Ford's switch to partner with Red Bull was strategic. When Porsche announced in September 2022 that it was no longer chasing the Red Bull option, Red Bull's talks with Porsche collapsed over control and corporate red tape concerns. Ford saw an opportunity here. Rushbrook did not hesitate—he approached Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner directly.

Also read: Red Bull trusts Max Verstappen to lead 2025 F1 testing at Bahrain International Circuit

Ford’s Contribution and the Risks

Ford's involvement goes beyond investment and branding. Rushbrook explained, "Our main focus is on the electrification, the battery cell chemistry, the battery pack, the motor, the inverter, but also in the controls and the software. That is a big opportunity for us."

While the stakes are high since Red Bull ventures into the costly undertaking of building its own power unit, the partnership lets the company be seen to demonstrate its technical capabilities without shouldering the hassles that come with a full team takeover.

The Road to 2026

With this new union arriving in 2026, anticipation is building. While there are issues, the union of a powerhouse F1 team and an auto manufacturer with a rich racing history may be a game-changer. In choosing to invest instead of owning, Ford has positioned itself as a player in the sport's future—without being in charge.