Grapevine Ford Blog Ford Announces Plans to Return to Formula 1 in 2026

  New Ford Inventory   The Ford Motor Company is one of the world's largest automakers and boasts a rich heritage. Ford has also had numerous successes in the motorsport world, courtesy of the iconic days of the legendary partnership of Ken Miles and Carroll Shelby and Ford's successful spell after that. Ford and Formula One Ford's involvement in Formula One dates back to the 1960s and the Double Four Valve engine. Cosworth and Ford made an iconic engine that won 155 of the 262 races it competed in from 1967 to 1985. The firm's exploits include ten constructor trophies and 13 driver's tournaments, from their first championship win in the Lotus driven by Graham Hill in 1968. Their most recent win came in 1994 courtesy of Michael Schumacher and Benetton, making their engines the third most successful in F1 history. After Ford sold Jaguar Racing to Red Bull in 2004, the firm decided to part ways with Formula One racing. The decision to pull out of racing at the time seemed right, and Ford's management didn't see the company venturing into the motorsport scene anytime soon. Changes to Formula One engine regulations are set to kick in by 2026, geared towards cost-effectiveness, electrification, and sustainability. The new regulations require hybrid power units to use 1.6-liter turbo V-6 engines, which emit no CO2 from the exhaust. The carbon in the fuel will be sourced from non-food sources, actual municipal waste, or the environment. In 2026, the electrical power required by hybrid engines will be three times greater than what is currently in use. Ford is designing the engines to deliver more than 1000 horsepower during a Grand Prix while using approximately 70 kg of gasoline, less than half of what they consumed in 2013. All of these modifications will translate into thrilling technical challenges for engine designers. The opportunity will offer a critical testing ground on the racetrack for proving new concepts for prospective road vehicles. Ford's management believes that it will be opportune for them to rejoin the Formula One scene once the changes in engine requirements kick in. This will enable the firm to showcase its new EV technology currently under development for the 2026 season. After a lengthy spell away from the Grand Prix arena, the new Formula One regulations present Ford with the opportunity to regain its former glory carved on the track for over 38 years. Other than providing exciting entertainment, the new regulations aim to unlock various manufacturers' design potential, all for the love of the sport. To learn more about what Ford has been up to, particularly with its newer car models, don't hesitate to visit Grapevine Ford in Grapevine, Texas.