Ford's Global Motorsport Boss on Gen3 Breakthrough and F1 Entry

Ford Performance's global motorsport director, Mark Rushbrook, reflects on a bittersweet year of success in Supercars, marked by a historic Bathurst 1000 victory and a championship title in the Gen3 era. He also discusses the anticipation and nerves surrounding Ford's impending return to Formula 1 in 2026 and hints at future racing programs, including a potential role for Daniel Ricciardo.

Why it matters:

Ford's recent achievements in Supercars validate its technical direction under the new Gen3 regulations, providing crucial momentum as it prepares for its high-stakes re-entry into Formula 1. The company's global motorsport strategy, balancing success in established series with ambitious new projects, signals its commitment to being a top-tier competitor across multiple disciplines.

The details:

• Supercars Breakthrough: Rushbrook described the 2024 Supercars season as "bittersweet," celebrating the first Gen3-era Bathurst 1000 win and championship for Ford but acknowledging the intense competition and pressure that came with it.
• Formula 1 Preparation: With Ford set to partner with Red Bull Powertrains in 2026, Rushbrook admitted to feeling "nervous" about the challenge, emphasizing the immense scale and learning curve required to compete at the pinnacle of motorsport.
• Future Programs: The executive hinted at Ford's interest in expanding its GT3 racing footprint, specifically mentioning the Bathurst 12 Hour as a target event, which would mark a significant return to top-level GT competition.
• Driver Opportunities: Rushbrook opened the door for Daniel Ricciardo to potentially race Ford machinery in other series, stating the brand would "love to have him" in a program if the opportunity and timing aligned for the popular Australian driver.

What's next:

All eyes are now on Ford's 2026 Formula 1 project with Red Bull, which will be the ultimate test of its revived global racing ambitions. Concurrently, the brand will aim to defend its Supercars titles and potentially finalize plans for a factory-backed GT3 effort, shaping a diverse and ambitious competition portfolio for the coming years.