Horner and Red Bull proud and excited of future in Formula 1 with Ford
- Toby McLuskie
Christian Horner was visibly happy earlier today during the 2023 Red Bull car launch when the team confirmed its partnership with Ford for the 2026 Formula 1 season and onwards. With new regulations coming into place in 2026, Horner admitted 'it was really important to have the right partner as F1 moves to a 50/50 split between hybridisation and combustion power,' and Ford seems to be that for the team.
"We are tremendously excited and proud to welcome Ford to the Red Bull family," he explained, "setting out on this journey we wanted to have a like-minded partner. In Ford, with the commitment that they have got to the EV strategy, we found that. I think the foundations we are laying and the time that we have in the build-up to 2026, we are tremendously excited and proud to welcome Ford to the Red Bull family."
Ford returning to F1 is a positive for everyone
Before handing over to Ford CEO Jim Farley, the Brit rounded off by stating his excitement for having the motor company return to F1: "It's great to see the Ford brand back in F1. F1 is in such great shape at the moment with other manufacturers joining in time for 2026, the competition will be incredibly hot."
Farley himself had only positive things to say as well with the formed partnership, stating: "Ford is a really different company. It's a family company. We are excited to work with this team on the technology side. And learn from them. The best aerodynamicists in the world are in Formula 1 at Red Bull.
"We can learn a lot from F1 like in the 70s and 80s. But for a while, the tech didn't transfer. Now it can. We want to take the technology and expose a whole new generation of Americans to EVs. So they are not this boring point A to point B cars. They are trucks and personality vehicles."