Ford have not been seen in Formula 1 since their time sponsoring Jaguar in the mid 2000s.
Red Bull Racing is one of the biggest names currently in Formula 1, with the team being the holders of both the constructors’ and drivers’ championship after a stunning 2022 season.
With Ford rumoured to make a return to the sport after nearly a two decade absence, it certainly makes sense that such a massive name would look to join forces with a team like Red Bull.
Having been part of the Cosworth engine era of F1, Ford are a huge part of the sport’s history but it appeared that they had left the F1 for good when their collaboration with Jaguar ended in 2004.
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Ford performance boss Mark Rushbrook has recently suggested that the growth of F1 makes it an appealing project for Ford, in the wake of rumours that they could partner with Red Bull Powertrains ahead of the 2026 season.
“Formula 1 is strong and growing, both in the United States and worldwide,” he said in response to the rumours.
“They have great races, a great competition and they have managed to reach new target groups with things like Drive to Survive.”
Red Bull will supply their own engines when the new regulations come into play in 2026 under the name Red Bull Powertrains, and it has now been leaked that Ford will be a sponsor of the new engine provider.
It has been reported by the BBC that Ford sent the information about their return to Formula to Italian news agency Ansa but did not make it clear enough that the release for this news was embargoed until Friday.
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Ansa then published this news in error before being swiftly informed of their mistake and removing the article, not before it had been seen and shared by multiple other news sources.
There has been a lot of controversy surrounding Red Bull Powertrains because as they are technically a new entrant in 2026, they will be entitled to all of the benefits that come with being new to the sport, such as extra testing time and resources.
Ferrari supposedly refused to sign up to the new regulations initially, however after receiving unknown promised from the FIA, the Scuderia have now agreed a deal to remain in the sport.