--- title: "Ford plots F1 return with Verstappen and Ricciardo at the wheel" description: "Ford’s push to re-enter Formula 1 as a constructor hinges on signing Red Bull’s top duo—Verstappen and Ricciardo—to revive its motorsport legacy." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/ford-veut-faire-rouler-deux-stars-de-la-f1-sous-ses-couleurs-e958b39d published: 2026-07-01T13:06:18.286+00:00 updated: 2026-07-01T13:06:18.286+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["f1"] --- # Ford plots F1 return with Verstappen and Ricciardo at the wheel > Ford’s push to re-enter Formula 1 as a constructor hinges on signing Red Bull’s top duo—Verstappen and Ricciardo—to revive its motorsport legacy. Ford is plotting a dramatic return to Formula 1 as a full-fledged constructor, with Red Bull Racing as the likely partner and Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo slated to lead its driver lineup. The Detroit-based automaker has held advanced talks with Red Bull about becoming its engine supplier and taking a stake in the team, according to multiple reports. Those discussions include the possibility of Verstappen and Ricciardo racing under Ford’s colors—Verstappen as the team’s undisputed star and Ricciardo as a high-profile veteran presence. Ford’s last F1 campaign as a constructor ended in 2004 with Jaguar Racing, a team it later sold. Since then, Ford has supplied engines to teams like Stewart Grand Prix and Red Bull via Cosworth, but never under its own brand in a top-tier campaign. A return would mark a bold pivot back to motorsport’s premier series, where Ford once earned five constructors’ titles between 1967 and 1996. The timing of Ford’s potential return aligns with F1’s aggressive push to expand its global footprint, particularly in the United States. With races in Miami, Las Vegas, and Austin drawing record crowds, Ford sees an opportunity to leverage the sport’s surging popularity to re-establish its brand in a key market. The automaker’s history in American motorsport—through NASCAR and IndyCar—also positions it well to capitalize on F1’s crossover appeal. Red Bull Racing’s current dominance under Honda’s power unit has left the team in a strong negotiating position. Ford’s reported interest in partnering with Red Bull suggests the team is open to diversifying its engine supply options as it eyes long-term stability beyond Honda’s exit after 2025. This could create a power struggle between Ford and existing engine suppliers like Mercedes and Ferrari, potentially reshaping the sport’s technical landscape. Red Bull Racing declined to comment on the reports, while Ford has not publicly addressed the speculation. Verstappen’s camp declined to discuss future contracts, and Ricciardo’s representatives did not respond to requests for comment. What’s next: Ford is expected to finalize its engine supply and partnership terms with Red Bull in the coming months, with a potential announcement timed for the 2025 season launch. If the deal proceeds, the team could debut in 2026 with Verstappen and Ricciardo as its headline drivers, reshaping F1’s competitive order and reviving Ford’s motorsport identity. The broader implications for F1’s commercial ecosystem are significant. A Ford-Red Bull alliance could attract additional sponsors, particularly from the U.S., and force rival manufacturers to accelerate their own innovation cycles. The move would also test Ford’s ability to integrate into F1’s tightly regulated environment while competing at the highest level—a challenge the automaker hasn’t faced since its Jaguar days. ## Why this matters Ford’s potential F1 return as a constructor could inject fresh capital and engineering muscle into the sport while reuniting two of its most marketable talents. The move would also test Ford’s ability to compete at the highest level after decades away, reshaping the competitive balance in F1’s next era. It would signal a major shift in F1’s commercial dynamics, especially in the U.S., where Ford’s brand recognition and motorsport heritage could drive new engagement. ## Frequently asked ### Why is Ford returning to Formula 1 now? Ford sees an opportunity to leverage the sport’s global reach and technical prestige to boost its brand, especially as F1 expands its audience and commercial appeal. The timing aligns with a broader push by automakers to align with high-performance motorsport. ### Which team would Ford partner with in F1? Reports indicate Ford is in advanced talks with Red Bull Racing to become its engine supplier and potentially take a stake in the team, though no final deal has been confirmed. ### Could Verstappen and Ricciardo both join Ford’s F1 team? Yes, both drivers are under contract through at least 2025 with Red Bull, but their long-term futures are fluid. Ford’s reported interest in them suggests a scenario where they could race under Ford’s colors if a deal materializes. ### When did Ford last compete in F1? Ford’s last full F1 campaign as a constructor was in 2004 with the Jaguar Racing team, which it later sold. Since then, Ford has supplied engines to teams like Stewart Grand Prix and Red Bull Racing under the Cosworth brand. ### What would Ford gain from an F1 return? Beyond brand visibility, Ford would gain a platform to showcase advanced technologies, attract young engineering talent, and compete in a sport that increasingly drives automotive innovation and consumer interest. ### How could this affect F1’s commercial landscape? A Ford-Red Bull partnership could attract new sponsors, particularly from the U.S., and intensify competition among engine manufacturers. It would also force rival teams to accelerate their technical development to keep pace. ## Sources & Citations - [Ford veut faire rouler deux stars de la F1 sous ses couleurs en compétition](https://motorsport.nextgen-auto.com/fr/formule-1/ford-veut-faire-rouler-deux-stars-de-la-f1-sous-ses-couleurs-en-competition,209219.html) — GNews.io (2026-06-20) --- Cite: Ford plots F1 return with Verstappen and Ricciardo at the wheel. Sportopod, 2026-07-01. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/ford-veut-faire-rouler-deux-stars-de-la-f1-sous-ses-couleurs-e958b39d