Since Honda’s exit, there has been a lot of speculation in the Formula 1 world about a possible replacement. After all, the sport gets stronger when there are more manufacturers. In addition to Porsche and Hyundai Ford has recently been dragged into the hair as an alleged partner of Red Bull Racing.
The US auto giant is said to be planning a partnership With the Powertrains department. RBPT power units would then receive the Ford decal, just as the brand did with Cosworth engines between 1967 and 2004.
Too big to ignore
Ford has remained anxiously silent about the rumors, aside from the safe statement that there will be no response to the speculation. Bee Motorsports However, they were able to elicit a few comments from Ford Performance Motorsports president Mark Rushbrook. The Americans should have realized this blue oval I really thought about F1 participation. After all, the growth of sports in America and abroad is too great to ignore:
“Formula 1 is definitely strong and growing, both in the US and globally. What they’ve done right is great racing and creating great competition. Still the top [van de autosport]but they’ve also been able to reach new audiences with things like Drive to survive.“
“As a company, we race for innovation, technology transfer and learning opportunity, but also for marketing reasons. [De F1] It has definitely stepped up, and is definitely something to behold. We don’t comment on speculation, but it’s the same with all the chains out there. It is our responsibility to study and understand it, and then make decisions about whether or not it makes sense.”
E-fuel is not necessary
For many interested manufacturers – such as Audi – the new regulations for 2026 are a major attraction. After all, Formula 1 that year will turn into a file CO2 neutral sustainable fuel, Putting sports in a green book with the marketing departments of the big brands.
However, Rushbrook doesn’t see e-fuels as Formula 1’s unique selling point. After all, there are many series that will make the same switch, or have already made it. After all, Ford has been active in the greener field since last year WRC:
“Sustainable fuel is definitely something we’re interested in, but we’re already doing that in other series. The WRC has had it since last year, and that’s been a big part of the story and the learning for us.”
“The vehicles we sell, some areas are transitioning to full electric faster than others, and some will stick with internal combustion engines for longer. But we want to be sustainable in what we do as a company, Not just electric cars produced but also more sustainable with combustion engines. We support all chains, whether we participate or not, the transition to more sustainable fuels.”
General Motors vs. Ford?
General Motors, Ford’s arch-rival, is currently trying to break into the sport through Cadillac And the Andretti Global team. However, the general’s participation does not proceed from Rushbrooke and his colleagues’ desire to give battle. However, Mark is watching the potential XI team’s registration process with great interest:
“Not necessarily. But it will be interesting to see how that progresses, if they manage to come on board as an 11.”
Ford doesn’t necessarily have to join Formula 1 to compete either, after all, the brand already competes directly with General Motors in NASCAR, Australian Supercars and soon in the GT3 class.