Ford Racing Roars Into 2026 With Global Season Launch and Formula 1 Comeback

A historic kickoff and Formula 1 return set the tone for 2026

January 15, 2026, will mark a historic moment for Ford Racing as we kick off the most ambitious and electrifying era in our 125-year legacy. For the first time, the annual Ford Racing Season Launch will take place in Detroit at the iconic Michigan Central Station, a landmark that symbolizes resilience, innovation, and the city’s deep-rooted passion for cars.

This revitalized venue sets the perfect stage for a year that promises to redefine performance across every racing discipline. The timing coincides with the Detroit Auto Show, transforming the Motor City into the global epicenter of automotive excitement.

The event will bring together a star-studded lineup of drivers, Ford employees, dealers, media, team owners, and passionate fans. From the thunderous roar of NASCAR to the endurance challenges of Mustang sports car racing and the relentless grit of our off-road teams tackling Dakar and Baja, Ford’s racing dominance will be showcased like never before. This is more than a launch; it is a bold declaration of intent and a celebration of the “Go Like Hell” spirit that drives Ford Racing.

A Sneak Peek at the Future

The excitement does not stop with our track and trail warriors. For the first time, fans worldwide will get an exclusive look at an all-new Ford Racing production road car. This reveal underscores how deeply we integrate racing innovation into the vehicles you drive every day. The racetrack remains our ultimate proving ground, accelerating developments that shape the future of Ford performance.

Our vision for Ford Racing is not just a concept — it is a reality. Every lap, every mile, and every challenge feeds directly into the engineering that powers your next Ford.

The Spotlight Shifts to Formula 1

Later that evening, the spotlight will turn to our partners at Red Bull as they host their highly anticipated season launch. This event will unveil the liveries of the cars that mark Ford’s return to Formula 1 after a 22-year absence. For the first time, Red Bull will introduce both of its Formula 1 teams at a single event, powered by the inaugural Red Bull Ford Powertrains unit, the beating heart of Ford’s comeback to the pinnacle of motorsport.

Formula 1’s global growth, diverse fanbase, and 2026 regulations focused on sustainable fuels and electric power make this technical challenge perfectly aligned with Ford’s vision for future performance and innovation. Our partnership with Red Bull is about more than racing. It is about leveraging the extreme demands of F1 to accelerate technology that will make Ford vehicles better for customers worldwide.

A Partnership Built on Winning DNA

Returning to Formula 1 required a partner that shares our DNA, an unyielding desire to compete and win. We found that in Red Bull. Their audacious, championship-winning culture is a perfect match for Ford’s racing heritage. Together, we are shaping technologies that will define the future of mobility.

The entire Ford Racing team is ready to take on the world in 2026. Join us as we bring the Ford blue oval back to the top step of podiums across the globe. This is the start of something extraordinary, and we cannot wait to share every moment with you.

Stay tuned for more details on how to watch this historic event.

Nick Cavanaugh | @Car_Sick_Nick | All Roads Lead to The Motor City