Ford History and Comeback in F1 From the 2026 Season

Last year, the major US car manufacturer Ford revealed its plans to rejoin Formula 1 in 2026. This is a good reason to discuss Ford history and comeback in F1, as well as its chances of succeeding in the #1 car racing competition. Ford will be back to F1 through a collaboration with Red Bull focused on power units. This agreement signifies Ford’s reunion with F1 after a 22-year absence, with its previous involvement dating back to its ownership of the Jaguar team, which was later acquired by Red Bull in 2004. 

Ford has a storied history in Formula 1, primarily through its association with the Cosworth engine company. Still, they aim to become the best they once were. Will they succeed? Bet on online sportsbooks in Ireland after recalling Ford’s achievements on the F1 stage.

Ford History and Comeback in F1: How Did it Start? 

Ford’s most significant involvement in Formula 1 came through its partnership with Cosworth Engineering. The most famous product of this collaboration was the Cosworth DFV (Double Four Valve) engine, introduced in 1967. The DFV became one of the most successful and enduring engines in Formula 1 history, powering numerous teams to victories and championships. 

Teams like Lotus, McLaren, Williams, and Tyrrell achieved great success with the Cosworth DFV during its dominance in the 1970s and early 1980s. Graham Hill, Jackie Stewart, Jochen Rindt, Emerson Fittipaldi, James Hunt, Mario Andretti, Alan Jones, Nelson Piquet, and Keke Rosberg all took titles while driving cars equipped with Cosworth engines. If you are excited to follow other manufacturers’ stories, check out BMW’s achievements in motorsport.

Ford as a works team

Besides working on Cosworth DFV, Ford participated in Formula 1 as a works team in two separate periods. The first stint was from 1964 to 1967, during which Ford fielded cars under the Ford Motor Company banner. The Ford GT and Ford P68 were notable projects but didn’t succeed significantly.

The second stint occurred from 1997 to 2004 when Ford owned the Stewart Grand Prix team. Stewart Grand Prix, founded by Jackie Stewart, debuted in 1997 with Ford engines. Later, after Ford acquired the team, it was rebranded as Jaguar Racing in 2000. Despite significant investment, Jaguar Racing struggled to succeed in Formula 1 and was eventually sold to Red Bull, which marked the end of Ford’s direct involvement as a works team.

As engine supplier

Even after the Cosworth DFV era ended, Cosworth continued to supply engines to Formula 1 teams. Ford’s influence persisted through Cosworth’s engine development and supply activities. During this period, teams such as Benetton, Jordan, Minardi, and Jaguar (later Red Bull Racing) used Cosworth engines. The most successful collaboration was with Benetton in the early 1990s, when Michael Schumacher took 8 wins and the 1994 title driving a Benetton-Ford.

Ford history and comeback in F1 in 2026

While Ford hasn’t had a direct presence in Formula 1 and Bet365 in recent years, there have been sporadic rumors and discussions about the possibility of Ford returning to the motorsport, either as an engine supplier or a works team. These rumors turned to life last year when the manufacturer announced its return to the competition.

While not active in Formula 1, Ford has maintained its presence in elite motorsport through pursuits like rallying and sportscar racing. However, the shift in F1 towards prioritizing electric power and eco-friendly fuels under the revamped regulations starting in 2026 significantly impacted Ford’s strategy.

Though Ford’s legacy in Formula 1 is primarily tied to the success of the Cosworth DFV engine and its various derivatives, the upcoming Red Bull-Ford collaboration will aim at bringing Ford back to its former glory as well as dominating F1 for years to come. It may boost Red Bull’s odds at online gambling sites in Ireland, so stay tuned.

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