Ford chose to neither confirm nor deny their rumored interest in a Formula 1 return when the subject was brought up.
Formula 1 finds itself in exciting times, with the series enjoying a level of popularity which arguably surpasses anything it has experienced before.
The United States has been an especially fruitful market for the series’ expansion, with 2023 marking an increase to three rounds in the nation, as Las Vegas joins the Miami and Unites States GPs.
And it was reported that this spike of interest in the United States has been of particular interest to manufacturer Ford.
While not interested in building their own power unit or running a works team again, as they previously did under the Jaguar name from 2000-04, it was said that instead, they were looking at a possible link-up with Red Bull, mainly as a marketing exercise.
Porsche’s efforts to join forces with Red Bull failed as they wanted a stake in Red Bull Technologies, although Ford are said to not be chasing a stake in the organization or have a direct input in the Red Bull Powertrains power unit.
This reported interest was put to Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance Motorsports, as part of a press conference.
His response was to keep the focus on NASCAR rather than address “speculation” of renewed Formula 1 involvement, though interestingly he did not call the report inaccurate.
“Obviously, we’re here to talk about NASCAR and keep our focus on NASCAR,” he said, as per Motorsport.com.
“There certainly has been a lot of speculation out there, but nothing that we’re going to comment on.”
While Red Bull and Ford are active together in the World Rally Championship, both brands also have a connection in Formula 1’s past.
When Ford decided to sell their works team, it was to Red Bull, with Red Bull Racing beginning its Formula 1 journey from the 2005 season.
Then forming a junior team for the following season called Toro Rosso, now known as AlphaTauri, via the purchase of Minardi, the Red Bull team has gone on to become a leading outfit in Formula 1 as five-time Constructors’ champions, also boasting six Drivers’ titles.
Winning four title doubles in succession between 2010-13, Red Bull added a fifth title double in 2022 after a dominant campaign, winning 17 of the 22 grands prix. 15 of those went to double World Champion Max Verstappen, a new record number of wins in a single season.
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