Ford set to announce return to F1 in New York on Friday after agreeing a collaboration with Red Bull

The Ford brand is returning to Formula One, with confirmation due to be delivered at Red Bull’s 2023 season launch in New York on Friday.

Sportsmail understands that talks over a collaboration between the two parties have proved successful and a deal has been signed.

Ford will partner Red Bull Powertrains, the team’s in-house engine division, meaning the famous Blue Oval badge will return in 2026, when Formula One shifts to fully sustainable fuel in a major revamp of the regulations.

But it is believed Ford will not seek to build their own power units, and that the tie-up is primarily a marketing exercise for them.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner and double world champion Max Verstappen, plus team-mate Sergio Perez, have arrived in Manhattan in anticipation of the announcement. Ford chief executive Jim Farley and F1 boss Stefano Domenicali will also attend.

Ford will partner Red Bull Powertrains, the team’s in-house engine division, on return to F1

US car manufacturer will return in 2026 when F1 shifts to fully sustainable fuel

Ford’s return comes after they sold their Jaguar team to Red Bull for one dollar in 2004. They have since concentrated on other categories including the World Rally Championship and sportscars.

But a surge in F1’s popularity has caused Ford to revive their interest. Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance Motorsports, recently hinted at the company’s plans when he said Formula One ‘requires consideration’.

He added: ‘What they have done well is to create great racing and great competition. It’s still the pinnacle, and they have been able to reach new audiences with things like Neflix’s Drive to Survive.’

The sport’s American expansion sees Las Vegas added to the schedule this year, complementing races in Miami and Austin. Andretti Autosport, meanwhile, are keen to become Formula One’s 11th team and have joined forces with Ford’s competitors, General Motors, through its Cadillac brand, to strengthen their hand.

Red Bull established their Powertrains division in Milton Keynes to address Honda’s ‘withdrawal’ from Formula One in 2021. The intention is to be self-sufficient in a few years’ time. Nonetheless, Honda are still due to supply the team with engines until the end of 2025.

Team principal Christian Horner will be at the announcement in New York on Friday