The blue oval company is reportedly in advanced negotiations with Red Bull Racing to become the Formula One champion’s technology partner from 2026, the year the sport’s engine regulations change.

A possible collaboration between RBR and Ford seems ideal for both sides: Red Bull has decided to manufacture its own engines from 2026, with the newly formed Red Bull Powertrains being housed in a new factory next to that of their chassis in Milton Keynes, UK.

As a result, RBR has decided it no longer needs a customer engine like Honda, but is not saying no to a “technology partner” who may name the engines, accompanying its commitment with a generous sponsorship. Even more so when that partner is from the US, which opens a number of doors for Red Bull’s presence in the large American market.

Such cooperation also seems to be most suitable for Ford. According to reports, the American company does not want to be an engine manufacturer in Formula 1, but rather to participate in its technological development. After all, its participation in the WRC is of a similar level, as it did not create a pure works team, but supports Malcolm Wilson’s M-Sport with know-how and sponsorship.

For a possible Ford partnership with Red Bull Racing in Formula 1 in 2026, it all makes sense. His hybrid system in Honda’s Tokyo, a few thousand kilometers away.

The ‘fire’ of Red Bull-Ford collaboration rumors is now being fueled by new evidence. Although Red Bull insists on launching the new 2023 RB19 in New York because of fashion week and the company owns fashion label Alpha Tauri, German broadcaster Sky Sports reports that the launch of the new car by Ford CEO Mark Rushbrook will be in attendance.

At the same time, in an interview with website motorsport.com, Rushbrook did not rule out Ford entering Formula 1 in 2026: “THE formula 1 it is undeniably strong and growing, both in the United States and around the world. What they did well was create competition and great games. It’s still the crown jewel, but they’ve also managed to reach new audiences with moves like that Drive to survive [του Netflix]”said the American.

And he continued: “As a company, we participate in the race for innovation, for technology transfer, for learning opportunities, but also for reasons marketing in addition. Things have changed, sure, and no doubt we need to think about it. We don’t comment on speculation, but that goes for every other institution out there. It is our responsibility to study and understand them and then make our own decisions as to whether it makes sense or not. [να συμμετάσχουμε]”.

Rushbrook did not deny that the conversion of Formula 1 to the use of biofuels also plays an important role in the technology, innovation and commercialization he mentions: “Sustainable fuels are definitely something we are interested in, but we are already doing this in other institutions. the WRC he’s had it since last year and that was a big lesson for us.

In the regions where we sell our cars, some will switch to electric cars faster and others will keep the heat engines longer. But we want to be sustainable in what we do as a company – not only in making electric cars, but also in making our heat engines more sustainable. We support all institutions, whether we participate or not, that are making the transition to sustainable fuels.”he added.

Finally, many argue that Ford will be lured into F1 by a similar move by its main US commercial rival General Motors, which, through Cadillac, is backing Michael Andretti’s Andretti Global team’s bid to become the sport’s 11th team in 2026 could. “It doesn’t necessarily change anything,” Rushbrook commented.

We remind you that Ford, through Cosworth, was one of the most successful manufacturers in F1 history. However, her last experience with the sport was traumatic: in 2000 she founded her own factory team under the Jaguar name, but this costly program failed miserably. So she left for good in 2004 after initially selling her team to… Red Bull.