Ford’s Decision to Return to Formula 1
The tale of Ford’s return to Formula 1, as seen from Red Bull’s perspective, is a familiar one by now. Following the collapse of Red Bull’s lengthy negotiations with Porsche to develop a works engine for the new 2026 power unit regulations, Ford seized the opportunity. Red Bull had expressed concerns about losing control and its agile decision-making process under Porsche’s ownership, which was part of the Volkswagen Group. Mark Rushbrook, Ford’s Motorsports director, was keenly aware of these developments and promptly reached out to Christian Horner, Red Bull’s Team Principal. Rushbrook recounted, "It became very clear that, at least from what we saw from the outside, that it was not going to work for Red Bull with Porsche. I literally got Christian Horner’s email address, sent him an email, and said ‘Hi, do you want to talk?’" This initial outreach set the stage for a series of meetings and discussions that would eventually lead to Ford and Red Bull joining forces.
The Enthusiasm at Ford’s Headquarters
The first meeting between Red Bull and Ford took place in Dearborn, Michigan, en route to Brazil. Horner shared a lighthearted anecdote from this meeting: "We met with Bill Ford and Jim Farley, and I thought we were in good shape when Jim walked into the meeting with a Sergio Perez cap! I thought, ‘Okay, we are looking pretty good here!’ You could just feel that there was a real enthusiasm from the very top of the company, from Bill Ford, who was so enthusiastic about coming back to Formula 1, and Jim, who is a racer himself." This positive reception at the highest levels of Ford’s corporate hierarchy played a crucial role in the deal’s progress. Ford’s renewed interest in Formula 1 was not a spur-of-the-moment decision but a result of significant changes in the sport and its regulations. Rushbrook noted, "Five years ago, if you had asked me whether Ford would return to Formula 1, my answer would have been no. But things have changed. The 2026 regulations, with their increased emphasis on electrification and fuel changes, align with our core values and goals, such as achieving net-zero emissions by 2030."
Exploring Different Paths
Ford’s decision to partner with Red Bull did not come without thorough consideration of other options. Rushbrook revealed that the company explored various ways to re-enter Formula 1, including the possibility of buying an existing team. "Before we had this deal with Red Bull, there were a lot of discussions going on. Some Formula 1 teams approached us, and we approached some teams as well. We needed to understand the landscape and the different ways to get into the sport." However, Ford’s expertise lies more in motorsports partnerships rather than team ownership. The company has a strong track record of collaborating with racing teams like Dick Johnson Racing in Australia, Penske in NASCAR, Bob Tasca in NHRA, and M-Sport in rally. "We always go with partners," Rushbrook emphasized. "We believed that partnering with Red Bull, which we consider the best team in the series, was the right way to go."
Ford’s Contributions to Red Bull
The early conversations between Ford and Red Bull focused on what each party could bring to the table. Rushbrook recalled, "My first question to Christian was ‘What are you looking for in a partner?’ and I was prepared to say what we were looking for in a partner. In the first 20 minutes of that discussion, there was a very broad alignment." Ford’s primary focus is on the electrification aspects of the 2026 engine, including battery cell chemistry, battery pack, motor, inverter, controls, and software. However, the collaboration has expanded to include other areas. "Additive manufacturing is a good example. We have good resources and materials for it. The same goes for contributing to the internal combustion engine and the turbo," Rushbrook explained. This approach ensures that both parties benefit from the partnership, with Ford able to apply the cutting-edge technology and insights gained from Formula 1 to its road cars, a key aspect of the company’s strategy.
A Partnership Built on Trust and Flexibility
The way Ford and Red Bull are working together is markedly different from the relationship Red Bull had envisioned with Porsche. Horner highlighted this distinction: "From the outset, Mark and Jim Farley said, ‘You guys do Formula 1 every day. That’s your bread and butter. We’re not going to impose our methodology on you. You tell us, how can we help? Where can we assist?’ It was very much an open book. It feels like a partnership that doesn’t impose on the engineers, which sometimes happens in these relationships, and what we were fearful of in the other option we were looking at." This approach has fostered a collaborative and trusting environment, where Ford can provide valuable technical support without disrupting Red Bull’s established processes and culture.
Embracing the Challenge Ahead
While the potential for success is exciting, both Rushbrook and Horner acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead. Horner admitted, "We knew from the outset that the first year wouldn’t be plain sailing. But there’s an advantage for Ford, as they might not get publicly judged too harshly because in the current setup, they don’t have full responsibility over the engine." He drew a humorous analogy to explain the dynamic: "It’s a bit like being grandparents. You get all the benefits of the kid and all the upsides, but then you give it back to the parents and don’t have the sleepless nights or the nappy changing, so there is a kind of analogy there." Despite the risks, the partnership is driven by a shared spirit of adventure and innovation, a sentiment echoed by Red Bull’s founder, Dietrich Mateschitz, who often said, "No risk, no fun." This ethos underscores the commitment of both Ford and Red Bull to push the boundaries of what is possible in Formula 1 and beyond.
