Published: 10:57, February 3, 2023 | Updated: 11:11, February 3, 2023
Reports: Ford set to partner Red Bull in F1 from 2026
By Reuters

Ford logo is pictured at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show in Frankfurt, Germany Sept 10, 2019. (PHOTO / REUTERS)

LONDON - US carmaker Ford will announce an engine partnership with Formula One world champions Red Bull from 2026 at the team's launch in New York on Friday, according to media reports in Europe.

Italian media disclosed details on Thursday after an apparent embargo breach.

Britain's BBC reported Ford will part-fund an engine being designed and made by Red Bull Powertrains at their Milton Keynes headquarters in England.

Red Bull's sister team AlphaTauri are also expected to use engines with Ford branding.

"We don’t comment on speculation," said a Ford spokesman at company headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan.

Britain's BBC reported Ford will part-fund an engine being designed and made by Red Bull Powertrains at their Milton Keynes headquarters in England

Formula One will have a new power unit from 2026 using 100 percent sustainable fuels and a greater electrical component.

Red Bull are currently using V6 turbo hybrid engines made by former partner Honda in Japan and last year called off talks with Porsche.

ALSO READ: Ford recalls 634,000 vehicles worldwide over fire risks

The team, who have US software giant as their title sponsor, will be showing off their car's new livery in Manhattan with Dutch double world champion Max Verstappen and Mexican Sergio Perez.

There has been mounting speculation about a deal with Ford, who have a great record as an engine provider and whose Cosworth DFV V8 engine dominated in the 1960s and 70s.

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands leads Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc of Monaco during the Japanese Formula One Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit in Suzuka, central Japan on Oct 9, 2022. (PHOTO / AP)

Ford sold their Jaguar branded team to Red Bull in 2004 and the current champions are still based at the same factory in central England.

The blue oval last appeared in Formula One with Jordan in 2004.

The expected announcement comes after rival General Motors and their Cadillac brand teamed up with Andretti Autosport who are seeking to enter Formula One as an 11th team.

READ MORE: Audi to enter Formula One from 2026

Formula One's governing body on Thursday formally started a process that could lead to new teams entering the championship from 2025.