The American giant’s return to F1 and a missed opportunity – Ford, one of the most iconic names in motorsport history, is set to return to Formula One in 2026 as the engine partner of Red Bull Racing. With a legacy that makes it the third most successful engine manufacturer in F1 history – behind Ferrari and Mercedes – the American carmaker’s comeback is a significant moment for the sport.
However, recent revelations from Ford’s Global Director of Performance Motorsport, Mark Rushbrook, suggest that the company was considering an even deeper involvement in the sport’s premier league. Before finalising its deal with Red Bull, Ford explored the idea of buying an F1 team outright.
Had Ford gone ahead with the idea, the United States could have had three F1 teams on the grid, alongside Haas and the newly sanctioned Cadillac-backed Andretti team. Rushbrook’s insights provide a fascinating insight into how Ford weighed its options and why it ultimately chose a different route.
Cadillac enters F1, but Ford almost did more
Formula One is seeing a resurgence of American influence, with Cadillac entering the sport in 2026. The General Motors (GM) subsidiary will initially source its engines from Ferrari as it establishes itself as the eleventh team on the grid. With Haas already a fixture in the F1 paddock, the addition of Cadillac will cement the United States’ presence in the sport.
But it could have been even more significant. Ford, another major American automotive powerhouse, seriously considered acquiring an F1 team before committing to its Red Bull partnership. According to Rushbrook, Ford held discussions with several teams to evaluate the possibility of team ownership.
“Before we had this deal with Red Bull, we had some discussions,” Rushbrook revealed in an interview with Motorsport.com. “We were approached by a number of Formula One teams and we approached a number of them because we wanted to understand the opportunities and the possibilities of getting back into the sport.”
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The internal debate at Ford: To buy or not to buy?
As Ford executives considered their options, the idea of team ownership was seriously considered. The company’s rich motorsport history includes success in endurance racing, rallying, NASCAR and past triumphs in Formula One with the legendary Cosworth-powered DFV engines.
Rushbrook admitted that Ford has had deep discussions about whether buying an F1 team is the right move. “We even thought about it and said: ‘OK, should we buy a team ourselves? The company ultimately decided against it, recognising that team ownership was outside its core competency.
“It’s not our core competency,” Rushbrook explained. “Yes, we are involved in motorsport, but we do not own or manage a team anywhere. We always work with partners.
This strategy is evident throughout Ford’s motorsport endeavours. The company works with Dick Johnson Racing in the Australian Supercars Championship, Penske in NASCAR, Bob Tasca in NHRA drag racing and M-Sport in the World Rally Championship. Rather than managing teams directly, Ford provides technical and financial support while relying on established teams to operate the racing operations.
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Red Bull Partnership: The ideal compromise
After careful evaluation, Ford decided that the best way to enter Formula One was as an engine partner rather than a team owner. In February 2023, Ford and Red Bull Powertrains announced their partnership, which will see Ford contribute to the development of Red Bull’s new power unit for the 2026 F1 season.
“This opportunity allows us to work with what we believe is the best team in the series. We are a good fit,” said Rushbrook, expressing confidence in the decision. Red Bull, the reigning F1 champions, brings unparalleled expertise in car development and operations, while Ford brings technological advances, particularly in electrification and sustainable fuels.
Despite Ford’s confidence in its partnership with Red Bull, rumours have emerged that Red Bull’s 2026 engine project is facing challenges. Reports suggest that the power unit has yet to meet performance expectations, raising concerns about its competitiveness against rivals such as Mercedes, Ferrari and Honda (now aligned with Aston Martin). However, both Red Bull and Ford remain committed to making the partnership work.
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Why Ford’s team ownership considerations mattered
Ford’s interest in buying a Formula One team highlights the sport’s growing appeal to major car manufacturers. F1’s expansion into the US market, driven by events in Miami, Austin and Las Vegas, has made it an attractive investment opportunity. The success of Netflix’s Drive to Survive has further boosted F1’s popularity, bringing in new audiences and potential sponsors.
The potential acquisition of an F1 team by Ford would have been one of the biggest shake-ups in the sport’s recent history. While the company ultimately decided against it, the very fact that such discussions took place shows just how much Formula One has grown in global importance.
Could Ford ever revisit the idea?
While Ford has ruled out team ownership for the time being, the F1 landscape is constantly evolving. If the Red Bull partnership proves highly successful, Ford could deepen its involvement in the sport. Conversely, if challenges arise, Ford may reconsider a more independent approach.
With General Motors pushing ahead with Cadillac’s F1 entry, Ford will be watching its American rival’s progress closely. If Cadillac is successful, Ford may re-evaluate its stance on team ownership in the future.
For now, however, Ford’s commitment to Red Bull Powertrains remains its primary focus. The company believes that providing power units and technological expertise is more in line with its long-term motorsport strategy. Nevertheless, the thought experiment of a Ford-owned F1 team will remain a fascinating ‘what if’ in the history of the sport.
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A strategic move that will shape the future
Ford’s return to Formula One is an important story in the sport’s ongoing evolution. While the company ultimately chose to partner with Red Bull rather than buy a team, the fact that it explored ownership underlines the growing commercial and competitive appeal of F1.
By aligning itself with Red Bull, Ford has positioned itself to compete at the highest level without the risks and responsibilities of team management. If the Red Bull-Ford power unit proves competitive in 2026, the decision will look like a masterstroke. But if challenges arise, the question of whether Ford should have pursued team ownership instead could resurface.
One thing is clear: Ford’s commitment to Formula One is real, and its presence will shape the future of the sport for years to come.
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The Judge, a nom de plume of an experienced F1 journalist and site founder with long-standing sources across the paddock. With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
