Ford might step in as a companion for Purple Bull Racing after negotiations between the main Method 1 staff and Porsche got here to an abrupt finish in September.

Citing nameless sources, Motorsport reported on Wednesday that Ford is contemplating a tie-up with Purple Bull as a method to achieve publicity to F1 as the game continues to achieve curiosity within the U.S., which hosts three races subsequent 12 months.

In keeping with the sources, Ford’s involvement can be extra of a hands-off strategy, not like what Porsche had sought—and what’s thought to have in the end led to the negotiations breaking down in September. Porsche stated on the time it hasn’t deserted its want to enter F1 and can proceed to watch the state of affairs.

Any tie-up between Ford and Purple Bull would doubtless begin in 2026, when new energy unit guidelines are launched.

Ford has beforehand been in F1. The Blue Oval was a key backer of engine builder Cosworth, which fielded Ford-branded engines in a number of seasons. Nonetheless, Ford turned extra energetic within the sport beginning in 1999 when it bought the Stewart Grand Prix staff and later rebranded it as Jaguar in 2000. Ford, which owned Jaguar on the time, funded the staff from 2000 to 2004. Ford finally bought the staff to Purple Bull on the finish of 2004.

Purple Bull is at the moment with no energy unit provider. The staff builds its personal energy items, utilizing the design of former provider Honda, and has stated it’s dedicated to designing and constructing a brand new energy unit to satisfy the 2026 guidelines. Nonetheless, the staff hasn’t dominated out taking up a companion.

The brand new energy unit guidelines name for decrease prices and using 100% sustainable fuels, one thing that persuaded Audi to decide to an F1 partnership with Sauber beginning in 2026.

Motorsport reported that even Honda, which ended its partnership with Purple Bull in 2020, may make a return, doubtlessly as a companion as soon as once more of Purple Bull or of Purple Bull feeder staff AlphaTauri.

This text was initially revealed by Motor Authority, an editorial companion of ClassicCars.com.