The manufacturer’s logos will appear on the driving suit and MP Motorsport-run car of Emely de Heus.
Ford is backing the Red Bull Powertrains power unit that will be used by both the main F1 team and RB from 2026, when the new regulations are introduced.
However, its commitment has been called into doubt by the Christian Horner controversy that has dominated the headlines in recent weeks.
Ford executives have called for an early end to the ongoing saga. In a recent letter sent to Red Bull CEO Jim Farley noted: “As we have indicated previously, without satisfactory response, Ford’s values are non-negotiable.
“It is imperative that our racing partners share and demonstrate a genuine commitment to those same values.
“My team and I are available at any time to discuss this matter. We remain insistent on, and hopeful, for a resolution we can all stand behind.”
Emely de Heus, MP Motorsport
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
In recent days there have been suggestions that high level meetings within Ford have discussed the future of the power unit partnership with Red Bull.
However, the company faced an early deadline for making a public statement as it had already committed to title sponsorship of the team’s F1 Academy programme, with the series having its season-opening event in Jeddah this weekend.
The official announcement came on the eve of the first track action. While it can be seen as a commitment to the bigger Red Bull programme, it also gave Ford a timely opportunity to reiterate its position on inclusion and diversity matters in the context of the nature of the allegations against Horner.
The release noted that “the partnership further cements Ford’s long supported commitment to attracting more diversity across its motorsport portfolio, as part of the company’s broader STEM and DEI initiatives.
“Ford Performance has already been working to encourage more women into the motorsports sector, including their title sponsorship and participation in the all-female Rebelle Rally off-road race, and the development of female driving talent in NASCAR with driver Hailie Deegan.
“This new title partnership with Red Bull Ford Academy Programme gives Ford the opportunity to further attract more women to the sport across all levels and roles, especially within the world of Red Bull Technology, alongside the wider initiatives that support diversity and inclusion.”
Global director of Ford Performance…
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