Ford to return to Formula One in 2026

Ford will return to Formula One in 2026, the US carmaker has said.

The company last participated in F1 in 2004 with Jordan, but it is still the sport's third most successful engine manufacturer of all time.

The new announcement came ahead of a launch in New York by world champions Red Bull.

Ford will partner Red Bull Powertrains, the company set up to build future engines for Red Bull and its sister team AlphaTauri.

Under future regulations, Formula One will have a new power unit from 2026 using 100% sustainable fuels and a greater electrical component.

Ford executive chairman 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."

Ford sold its Jaguar branded team to Red Bull in 2004 and the current champions are still based at the same factory in the UK.

"The news today that Ford is coming to Formula One from 2026 is great for the sport and we are excited to see them join the incredible automotive partners already in Formula One," the sport's chief executive Stefano Domenicali said.

"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."

Ford's involvement in F1 goes back to the 1960s and the DFV (Double Four Valve) engine, built in partnership with British engineering firm Cosworth, which had 155 wins from 262 races between 1967 and 1985.

Formula One said on its website: "From their first title wins with Graham Hill and Lotus in 1968 to their most recent with Michael Schumacher and Benetton in 1994, Ford have played a part in 10 constructors' championships and 13 drivers' championships - making them the third most successful engine manufacturer in F1 history."

Friday's announcement comes after General Motors and its Cadillac brand linked up with Andretti Autosport which is aiming to compete in Formula One as an 11th team.

On Thursday, F1's governing body formally begun a process that could lead to new teams entering the championship from 2025.