FORD have confirmed their intentions to return to Formula One.
The American Car manufacturer has been absent from the motorsport since 2004, but have now reignited their interest to be a part of F1 from 2026.
Company chief Bill Ford said: “This is the start of a thrilling new chapter in Ford’s motorsports story that began when my great-grandfather [Henry Ford] won a race that helped launch our company.
“Ford is returning to the pinnacle of the sport, bringing Ford’s long tradition of innovation, sustainability and electrification to one of the world’s most visible stages.”
The move comes just one day after governing body, the FIA, announced plans to allow would-be newcomers to launch applications to join.
The FIA’s declaration came with stipulations on meeting F1’s sustainability target of Net Zero Carbon dioxide emissions by 2030, which also referred to any newcomers needing to be “competitive” throughout.
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F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali also welcomed the news, saying: “The news today that Ford is coming to Formula 1 from 2026 is great for the sport and we are excited to see them join the incredible automotive partners already in Formula 1.
“Ford is a global brand with an incredible heritage in racing and the automotive world and they see the huge value that our platform provides with over half a billion fans around the world.
“Our commitment to be Net Zero Carbon by 2030 and to introduce sustainable fuels in the F1 cars from 2026 is also an important reason for their decision to enter F1.
“We believe that our sport provides the opportunity and reach unlike any other and we cannot wait for the Ford logo to be racing round F1’s iconic circuits from 2026.”
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Ford’s announcement just one day after shows there is a genuine interest in joining F1 going into the new engine era of 2026.
There will be a maximum of two new teams who can join in 2026, with the grid capped at 12 teams, consequently also raising the driver limit to 24 rather than the 20 currently involved.
F1 has grown massively in recent years, with owners Liberty Media rejecting an astronomical Saudi Arabian bid of £16BILLION to buy the rights.
Ford’s history with F1 stretches back to the 1960s with the Double Four Valve engine, which was built alongside British engineering firm Cosworth.
That engine was one of the most successful of its era, winning 155 races from a possible 262 from 1967 to 1985.
They later powered Michael Schumacher and Benetton to a championship in 1994, and have played a part in 23 drivers and constructors titles in total to make them the third most successful engine manufacturer in F1 history.
Ford ended their last stint in F1 in 2004 when it pulled the plug on Jaguar and its badging of Cosworth engines.
Ford’s motorsport presence has also been seen in the big screen with the 2019 movie Ford vs Ferrari, which depicts Ford rivalling Enzo Ferrari at the famous Le Mans 24-hour endurance race.
While Ford’s intentions to return are now clear, the capacity of the venture remains shrouded in doubt.
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Ahead of their 2023 season car launch Red Bull have been linked with becoming engine partners with Ford.
Other major manufacturers have also expressed interest in joining F1, including Porsche and Audi.
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
