- Ford reportedly looking at marketing and brand presence with Red Bull
- Potential GM entry would not influence Ford
Formula One's popularity means a future entry “requires consideration”, according to the global director of Ford Performance, Mark Rushbrook.
The US auto giant has not been involved in the top level of motorsport since its days with the Jaguar team between 2000 and 2004, but this position is reportedly being reconsidered.
“Formula One is certainly strong and growing, both in the United States and globally,” Rushbrook told Motorsport.com.
“What they have done well is create great racing and great competition. It’s still the pinnacle, but they’ve been able to reach new audiences with things like Drive to Survive.
“As a company we go racing for innovation, tech transfer, the learning opportunity, but also for marketing reasons as well. It’s shifted for sure, and it definitely requires consideration.”
Also contributing to the changing attitudes is Formula One's stance on sustainable fuels, with the likes of Audi and Cadillac already confirming interest in a 2026 entry.
“Sustainable fuel definitely is something we’re interested in, but we’re already doing that in other series,” he continued.
“The [World Rally Championship] has it, starting last year, and that’s been a great part of the story and learning for us.”
Interestingly, Ford is already partnered with Red Bull in WRC, meaning the lines of communication are already established between the two parties.
However, Red Bull is currently in the midst of a technical partnership with Honda until 2025, meaning any deal between the two would need to be purely on a sponsorship basis.
This could take a similar shape to Audi's contract with Sauber as, before coming on board as a works partner in 2026, the German auto manufacturer will be visible on the Swiss team's car as a sponsor.
Although, any deal with Red Bull would likely see Ford seeking a marketing and brand presence through the Red Bull Powertrains division, as the team's deal with Porsche reportedly collapsed due to Red Bull wanting control over its engine department.
Whether a potential entry for General Motors would dictate Ford's approach is up for debate, but Rushbrook told Motorsport.com that it would not necessarily influence the company's decision-making process.
He said: “[It wouldn't] necessarily [change anything for Ford]. But it will be interesting to watch how that progresses, whether they will be successful in joining as an 11th team.”
Red Bull is set to unveil their new livery in New York on 3rd February, something that Ford is reportedly sending social media influencers along to, intensifying rumours that a partnership is on the verge of being announced.