Speculation is building that Red Bull and Ford could announce a tie-up at the team’s 2023 launch in New York later this week.
When talks between Red Bull and Porsche over a 2026 engine partnership broke down last year, the American auto giant quickly emerged as an alternative option.
Previously, Ford has always cited the cost burden to dismiss a first foray back into Formula 1 since Jaguar pulled out in 2004. But this time, Mark Rushbrook, chief of the company’s motorsport division, acknowledged the growing appeal of F1.
“Formula 1 is certainly strong and growing, both in the United States and globally,’ he said via Motorsport.com.
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“What they have done well is create great racing and great competition. It’s still the pinnacle, but they’ve been able to reach new audiences with things like Drive to Survive.
“As a company we go racing for innovation, tech transfer, the learning opportunity, but also for marketing reasons as well. It’s shifted for sure, and it definitely requires consideration.”
Recently, it has been suggested that discussions between Red Bull and Ford are at an “advanced stage”.
And last week Vicenzo Landino, F1 business reporter at The Qualifier, tweeted that Ford is sending content creators and influencers to New York on the same date, February 3, Red Bull is set to launch its new RB19 livery in the city. “Coincidence?” he asked.
2023 ? A blank canvas ? pic.twitter.com/u8miBUSCwu
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) January 27, 2023
Another question is what the extent of Ford’s participation could be, with rumours claiming it could be little more than simply badging the power unit.
But there is one aspect of the 2026 power units that has the company’s attention…
“Sustainable fuel definitely is something we’re interested in, but we’re already doing that in other series,” Rushbrook explained.
“The WRC has it, starting last year, and that’s been a great part of the story and learning for us.
“The vehicles we sell, some regions are shifting to full electric faster than others, some will stay ICE for longer.
“But we want to be sustainable in what we do as a company, not just producing electric cars but also being more sustainable with ICE. We support all series, whether we participate or not, switching to more sustainable fuel.”
Jean-Christophe BOULLION (Sauber-Ford) Silverstone 1995 #F1 pic.twitter.com/jjDOCL0hvZ
— Formula 1 + (@Formula_Stats) December 27, 2022
Hopes of attracting Ford increased further when prospective F1 entrant Andretti announced a partnership with General Motors through their Cadillac brand earlier this month.
But Rushbrook doesn’t see the potential participation of Ford’s main rival in F1 as a deciding factor on their own entry.
“Not necessarily. But it will be interesting to watch how that progresses, whether they will be successful in joining as an 11th team,” he commented.