The background of Ford’s Formula 1 comeback with Red Bull
Ford has disclosed that an unexpected email it sent to team manager Christian Horner served as the catalyst for the company’s decision to rejoin Red Bull in Formula 1.
The breakdown of Red Bull’s negotiations with Porsche in the summer of 2022 coincided with Ford’s contemplation of a potential comeback to Formula One, drawn by the rising popularity of grand prix racing and the allure of the 2026 technical regulations.
However, in light of concerns about the capital required to establish a power unit or even acquire a team, Ford’s global racing director Mark Rushbrook reasoned that it wouldn’t hurt to write to Red Bull to inquire about the possibility of a deal after Porsche. Additionally, following the excavation
Speaking this week on the project’s progress at Red Bull’s Milton Keynes factory, Rushbrook disclosed the peculiar circumstances surrounding the beginning of the talks.
“For us, the question was not if Formula 1 was the place to be, but rather how we were going to get into it.” stated Rushbrook. “We had conversations with various teams. We considered creating an autonomous power unit program of our own.
“As it became very clear, at least from what we saw from the outside, that it was not going to work with Porsche for Red Bull, I literally got Christian’s email address, sent him an email and said, ‘Hey, do you want to talk?’
“I got on a plane to come here, and I felt maybe 20 minutes into that discussion – okay, there’s the foundation for a partnership here that’s going to work. And I left that meeting and called Jim Farley [Ford CEO] and then it accelerated quickly from there.”
According to Horner, Red Bull felt that a manufacturer’s assistance was necessary for its engine project, but it had to be on the correct terms, which is why the email from Rushbrook arrived at the perfect time.
“We went through a process where we determined that partnering with an OEM would be significantly more advantageous for us strategically because, as an independent company, you miss out on the advantages that technically exist for Ferrari, Mercedes, or Honda, who changed their minds,” Horner added.
“After going through a procedure and determining that a change in ownership wasn’t the best course of action for the company, I met with Mark, who informed me that Ford was considering a comeback to Formula One. It was like, “Hey, this is something we’re considering.” This is our situation.
In addition, Horner brought up a meeting in late 2022 when he was shown a clear indication of Ford’s willingness to participate in Formula One racing.
Horner stated, “On the way to Brazil, we went to a meeting at Dearborn and met with Mark, Bill Ford, and Jim.” Jim wearing a Sergio Perez cap entered the meeting, so I knew things were going well!
“You could simply sense that there was a genuine excitement from the top of the organization, including Jim, a racer himself, and Bill Ford, who was really excited about returning to Formula One.
It should come as no surprise that the Red Bull Ford contract was completed in around 12 weeks, as opposed to the six months it took for the Porsche negotiations to come to an abrupt end.
Although Ford’s current Formula One strategy is very different from its past F1 endeavors, in which it either fielded its own team with Jaguar or its own engines with the renowned Cosworths, Rushbrook believes that this strategy is more in line with Ford’s other motorsport endeavors.
“We looked at: should we buy a team?” he continued. I believe we proved that’s not our primary strength by the transformation of this team [Red Bull] from what was once Jackie Stewart and Jaguar, correct?
“Yes, we’re in motorsports, but nowhere do we own or run a team. We always go with partners, whether it’s Dick Johnson Racing in Australia, or Penske in NASCAR or Bob Tasca in NHRA or M-Sport in rallying.
“So with this opportunity to partner with what we believe is the best team in the series, and to complement it in the right way, that’s the right way for us.”
With the Red Bull and Ford relationship now in full swing, as they make sure to use each other’s strengths to help drive the 2026 engine project forward, Horner even thinks how things are shaping up could be something that others follow in the future.
“I believe it’s an excellent approach for Ford to have become involved without taking on the entire burden and liability of having to deliver in order to perform,” he remarked. This collaboration enhances our work, and I believe it will serve as a model for other manufacturers to consider when developing comparable products.
“I believe Alpine is already delving into it in the discussions they’re having. Thus, in my opinion, it alters the nature of how OEMs can enter the sport without having to shoulder the entire cost of building an engine plant of this kind, purchasing a team, or making an investment in a team.