Ford Joins Red Bull for 2026 F1; Plans Unveiled

Discover how Red Bull and Ford aligned for the 2026 F1 season, with insights from Rushbrook and Horner.

Mark Rushbrook, Director of Ford Performance, revisited the origins of the deal with Red Bull, which marks the return of the iconic blue oval to F1 from 2026. He disclosed that the idea of forming a factory team emerged when Red Bull faced the loss of a potential contract, leading them to reach out to Christian Horner.

“For us, it was clear that we were on the right track: Formula 1 is the place to be, but the question was how we would enter,” Rushbrook stated. “We had discussions with various teams.”

“We were considering setting up our own independent engine program. When it became very clear, from what we observed externally, that things would not work out with Porsche for Red Bull, I literally got Christian’s email address, sent him a message, and said, ‘hey, do you want to talk?'”

“I flew out to meet him and, after a 20-minute conversation, I felt that the foundations of a partnership were laid and that it would work. I left the meeting and called Jim Farley [CEO of Ford], and from there, things moved quickly.”

Ford was “enthusiastic” about meeting with Red Bull

Horner shared insights into the first meeting with Ford’s leadership: “We went to a meeting in Dearborn on our way to Brazil, and we met with Mark, Bill Ford, and Jim. I knew we were in a strong position when Jim came to the meeting wearing a Sergio Perez cap!”

“There was a palpable enthusiasm, a genuine excitement from the company’s leadership, from Bill Ford, who was so keen on returning to F1, and from Jim, who is a racer himself.”

“It was like, we don’t want to tell you how to run your business, but we want this to be a real, true partnership, and it was a very, very straightforward negotiation from that point.”

The Brit explained that it quickly became apparent that it was crucial for Red Bull to partner with a manufacturer rather than producing everything as Red Bull Powertrains.

“We followed a process where it became much more strategic for us to partner with a manufacturer, because as an independent constructor, you do not enjoy the technical advantages that Ferrari, Mercedes, or Honda, who have had a change of heart, can have.”

“We concluded that a change of ownership was not the right solution for the business, and then I met Mark who told me Ford was considering a return to F1. It was like we were thinking of doing this or that. This is our plan. So it all happened very, very quickly.”

Ford Needs to “Partner with a Team”

Rushbrook outlined Ford’s process, which initially considered purchasing a team, before ultimately recognizing that Red Bull’s past as Jaguar within the Ford group was less than stellar.

“We explored whether we should buy a team. I think we’ve demonstrated, through what this team [Red Bull] has become from what was once Jackie Stewart’s and Jaguar’s, that it’s not our main strength, is it? Yes, we are in motorsport, but nowhere do we own or lead a team.”

“We always partner with others, whether it’s Dick Johnson Racing in Australia, Penske in NASCAR, Bob Tasca in NHRA, or M-Sport in rally racing. Thus, we have the opportunity to partner with what we believe to be the best team in the discipline and complement it in the right way, which is the right solution for us.”

The American is convinced that this partnership could set a precedent: “I think it’s an excellent way for Ford to get involved without bearing the full responsibility for performance. It complements what we do, and I believe it will serve as a model for other manufacturers considering similar models.”

“I think we’re already seeing Alpine exploring this path in the discussions they’re having. So, I believe it changes the dynamics of how suppliers can enter the sport—without having to take on the full burden of an engine facility like this, nor buying a team, nor investing in one.”