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Formula 1 rolled out the red carpet for Ford’s announcement of its comeback as engine partner to Red Bull in 2026.
But we noticed a more cynical theme among the reaction to the news.
The Ford deal has been viewed in some quarters as glorified sponsorship masked as an engine supply, with no real investment or technological input, and therefore – say critics – it shouldn’t be considered a real manufacturer project.
As some were quick to point out, that’s quite similar to how General Motors’ support of a prospective Andretti Cadillac F1 team has been viewed, and the ‘it’s not a real works programme’ line has been used as an argument by Andretti sceptics.
So, is this hypocrisy? Or a sign of where the real problem lies?
