F1: Ford to Partner with Red Bull and AlphaTauri from 2026

F1: After a long sabbatical from the sport, Ford will return to F1 in partnership with Red Bull and its sibling AlphaTauri in 2026. Max Verstappen, a two-time world champion, and Sergio Perez, a four-time race winner, are Red Bull's current race drivers. Eight-time race winner Daniel Ricciardo is the team's backup. Ford powered cars have won ten constructors' championships, 13 drivers' titles, and 174 Grands Prix in Formula One. At the F1, the last victory of the automaker was with Michael Schumacher's Benetton in 1994. The automaker has confirmed that it will resume competing in Grand Prix races as F1 will implement its new engine restrictions in 2026. Red Bull Technologies will design the engines, which will adhere to the new laws that emphasise electric power and synthetic fuel use.

Although preparations for the 2026 season have already started, the Red Bull Racing team official has emphasized that the project was still in an early stage and Ford's involvement would have a massive influence. Red Bull Powertrains, the company that will power both Red Bull and AlphaTauri, will receive direct input from Ford, according to reports. Ford will reportedly also help RBPT with battery and hybrid technology, among other things.

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The return of Ford to Formula 1 through this relationship is speculated to be huge for both parties. According to Red Bull,  Ford's experience as an OEM will give them a leg up on the competition as an independent engine maker. There could be several reasons behind the return of Ford to the sport after a long absence. For instance, the sport's plans incline more towards electric power and synthetic fuels, Ford's archrival General Motors' potential entry into the sport at the same time with its Cadillac brand, or the rising popularity of the sport globally, particularly in the US. 

Also Read: New-generation Ford Mustang breaks cover; retains V8 muscle

The previous month, the highly anticipated Mustang Dark Horse's power and torque specifications were disclosed by Ford Motor Company. The seventh-generation 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse is expected to make its public premiere soon. The fourth-generation Coyote V8 engine, which powers the all-new Mustang Dark Horse, has been upgraded to produce 493bhp and 566Nm of maximum torque.