Ford rejoins F1 paddock
American vehicle manufacturer Ford has rejoined Formula 1. They last competed in F1 as the owner of the Jaguar team in 2004.
The return to the sport comes as result of a partnership with the Red Bull team who, coincidentally, used to be the Jaguar team in a previous life.
Ford has a storied history in F1, with its last championship title in 1994, with Michael Schumacher and Benetton. It was not the only success though as to date Ford remains the third most-successful manufacturer in F1 history. In addition to 10 constructors’ titles and thirteen drivers’ crowns, the team also racked up 174 race wins.
The partnership with Red Bull will remain a technical one as Ford aims at fielding its own team on the 2026 F1 grid.
FIA without President
In recent months FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has faced increasing social media backlash and tension with the F1 teams. It’s culminated in a surprise announcement that Sulayem will “step back” from the role of overseeing F1.
It started with the delayed report on the events of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the odd fixation on Lewis Hamilton’s jewellery, and more recently his comments talking down the value of F1 to potential investors.
In his place the FIA has announced that Nikolas Tombazis will take over the day-to-day running of F1.
No more politics
A change to the international sporting code for 2023 appears to gag drivers from sharing any “political, religious, or personal” issue without first obtaining permission from the FIA. Several drivers have expressed dissatisfaction with the new rule, and noted F1’s own more liberal stance over the last few seasons.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicalli said that they want to maintain a constructive dialogue with teams and drivers, and that the intent of the rule is not to silence anyone.
