P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Ford has offered a revealing look into its 20-year journey back to Formula 1 for 2026 at a packed ‘Fueling the future’ event, put together by The Race and Axios Live in downtown Miami
Ford has shared insights into its 20-year journey leading back to Formula 1 for 2026, highlighting its “all-in” commitment to motorsport under the Ford Racing banner. Will Ford, the company’s general manager of global racing, emphasized the “critical steps” taken to tap into the passion associated with motorsport. Speaking at the ‘Fueling the Future’ event in Miami ahead of the Grand Prix, Ford outlined five key takeaways for the audience in the Miami Design District regarding the company’s decision-making process.
One major driving factor behind Ford’s return to F1 was the sport’s expanding audience reach and evolving demographics, necessitating engagement with a younger, more female-oriented fanbase that aligns with the brand’s goals. Despite stepping away in 2004, Ford closely monitored F1’s trajectory over the years, ultimately recognizing the opportune moment to re-enter the scene due to the sport’s rising popularity, particularly in the US.
Ford acknowledged the significance of partnering with Red Bull, marking a “full-circle” moment by returning to the team it previously owned during the Jaguar Racing era, albeit not the most successful period in their motorsport history. This move symbolizes a revamped commitment to motorsport as a whole for Ford, underscoring a broader strategic shift within the company’s racing endeavors beyond Formula 1.
