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There are pivotal moments in Ford’s history that don’t just define a year, but shape our future.
January 15, 2026, will be one such moment, as we ignite what promises to be the most ambitious and electrifying era in Ford Racing history.
For the very first time, our annual Ford Racing Season Launch is coming home to Detroit, setting the stage at the majestic, recently revitalized Michigan Central Station.
This iconic landmark, steeped in the city’s spirit of grit, perseverance, and undeniable love for cars, is the perfect place to kick off an epic year on the track and in the dirt. It’s a powerful statement, complementing the energy of the 2026 Detroit Auto Show happening the same week, truly making Detroit the global hub of automotive excitement.
We’ll be joined by a star-studded lineup of drivers, alongside our employees, dealers, media, team owners, and, of course, our passionate fans.
From the thunderous roar of NASCAR to the grueling challenges of Mustang endurance sports car racing, and the relentless grit of our off-road teams tackling Dakar and Baja -- every facet of Ford’s global racing prowess will be on full display. This isn’t just a launch; it’s a declaration of intent across every racing discipline, a true embodiment of the “Go Like Hell” spirit that drives us.
But the excitement doesn’t stop with our track and trail warriors. For the first time ever, fans worldwide will also get an exclusive sneak peek at an all-new Ford Racing production road car – a testament to how deeply we’re integrating our racing innovation into the vehicles you drive every day. The racetrack is our ultimate proving ground, fast-tracking developments that will soon be under the hood and in the chassis of your next Ford.
Our vision for Ford Racing is not just a concept; it's a tangible reality, and we genuinely cannot wait to share the true scale of our ambition.
Later that evening, the spotlight will shift as our partners Red Bull host their own highly anticipated season launch where they will reveal the liveries of the cars that will bring Ford back to F1 after a 22-year absence.
For the very first time, Red Bull will introduce their two Formula 1 teams at a single event, and I can tell you, Ford is at the absolute heart of this project.
This Red Bull launch is a celebration of a journey that has been several years in the making. It’s the official introduction of the Red Bull Ford Powertrains inaugural power unit — the beating heart of Ford’s return to the pinnacle of motorsport.
With Formula 1’s incredible global growth, a new and diverse fanbase, and the 2026 regulations focus on sustainable fuels and electric power, the technical challenge has never been greater — or more aligned with our vision for the future of automotive performance and innovation.
Since the moment we announced our return to F1 with Red Bull, the team has been working tirelessly night and day to get ready for 2026. But this is about so much more than just the racing. It is about leveraging the extreme demands of F1 to accelerate innovation, ultimately making our cars and trucks better for our customers. What we will learn together with Red Bull will define the technologies of the future and that is what excites me most about this relationship.
Returning to Formula 1required us to find a partner that shared our DNA — a unyielding desire to compete and win. We found that in Red Bull. Their audacious, championship-winning culture is a perfect match for our 125 years of Ford Racing history.
The entire Ford Racing team is primed and ready to take on the world in 2026. We invite you to join us on every step of this journey as we strive to bring the Ford blue oval back to the top step of podiums across the globe.
It’s time for Ford Racing to take on the world’s most iconic racetracks and challenge the very best. We are more than ready for this challenge, and we can't wait to kick off this incredible season in January.
We'll be sharing much more about the details of the event and how to watch in the weeks to come, so stay tuned!
Mark Rushbrook is global director of Ford Racing.
