Ford’s Global Director of Performance Mark Rushbrook has explained that electrification in Formula 1 is “essential” to the organisation’s forthcoming return to Formula 1.
It will be 22 years since F1 last felt the power of a Ford engine on its grid by the time it returns next year, in which it will make in partnership with Red Bull Powertrains.
The American automotive giants can boast of being one of the most successful engine manufacturers in F1 history, and by collaborating with the Milton Keynes-based squad, the organisation is setting its sights high to achieve further glory.
The sport itself was facing an existential crisis earlier in the year, when the debate of reintroducing V10 engines was raised, so much so that a meeting was held at the Bahrain Grand Prix between the Original Engine Manufacturers [OEMs] and the FIA to thrash out a plan.
As it was, the idea was scrapped, and the focus was shifted back onto its current trajectory, with engines similar to the current V6 hybrids continuing, but now with a further split between the internal combustion and the electric components.
The possible switch back to V10s was a concern for many OEMs, including Audi, which made its decision to enter F1 for the first time on the proviso of the hybrid engines staying.
And for Ford, its stance is very similar, as Rushbrook explained in an interview with Motorsport.com.
“For Ford Motor Company, we believe there should be some form of electrification in there,” he said.
“That’s part of what attracted us to the 2026 rules. It’s all about that balance between the ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) and electrification. Does it need to be 50-50? No, not necessarily.
“As long as we have the opportunity to contribute, to learn and to bring knowledge to our road cars, then that’s ideally what we’re looking for.”
Rushbrook said that it is “too simplistic to just say V10 or V8″ in terms of a discussion about F1 engine regulations further down the line,” adding: “There are so many ways to implement something like that. You really have to get into the details to see whether something can work or not.
“There may be a sort of framework, but whether it aligns with what Ford Motor Company wants, I can’t answer until I know all the details.”
“Exactly,” he said. “But we’re talking really long-term here. There are already some aspects that we all agree on, but also some areas where opinions still differ.”
Ford’s commitment to Red Bull currently runs through the next cycle of regulations starting in 2026. What happens beyond 2031 depends on how the regulations evolve and where F1 is heading.
“Of course, but that’s true for every form of motorsport that we take part in,” Rushbrook said.
“Ultimately the health of the sport, the other manufacturers that are participating, the technical regulations and the ability to have some form of tech transfer are all important to us.”
Red Bull collaboration hints at long-term F1 plans for Ford
Rushbrook recently stated that its collaboration with Red Bull was strengthening all the time, and it was increasing its input into the project.
Ford’s alignment with Red Bull, which will be renamed Red Bull Powertrains-Ford, suggests that it will be making a long-term commitment to F1, regardless of direction on future engine regulations.
“That is definitely our intent,” Rushbrook affirms. “We’re committed to working with all the other stakeholders for what is the right thing for the future of this sport.
“Is it going to be exactly what any single manufacturer wants? No. But that’s part of the process, because at the end of the day, if that discussion is exactly what we want and every other manufacturer leaves, then it’s not a healthy sport either.
“We know that and the other manufacturers know that as well. So you’ve got to work together for the good of the sport, the health of the sport and that basically means being partners off the track.
“You want to race each other fiercely on the track, but you need to work together off the track.”
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