Oracle Red Bull Racing, a Formula One racing team, has announced a significant partnership with Ford Motor, an American multinational automobile manufacturer.
The agreement has enabled the automobile behemoth to be the title sponsor for the racing team’s newly launched Red Bull Academy Programme.
This development has marked a major step forward for the initiative, designed to cultivate talented female racing drivers. The program, now known as the “Red Bull Ford Academy Programme,” will see Ford branding prominently displayed on the car, team wear, and driver Emely de Heus’ apparel throughout the 2024 season.
In addition, Red Bull and Ford are committed to supporting female drivers across the motorsport spectrum. Red Bull aims to leverage this program to inspire more women to pursue careers in racing, including technical and engineering roles within Red Bull Technology.
Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Performance Motorsports, said, “Ford Performance is committed to working with the FIA and race promoters to find ways to integrate more female talent into all levels of motorsport, both on and off the track, and this is a great opportunity to extend that work by partnering with the best in F1 Academy. We have already partnered in other race series, such as Rebelle Rally, in addition to drivers such as Hailie Deegan, to bring more women to the forefront of motorsport. I am excited to partner with Red Bull to make a positive impact in F1.”
Julia George, Director of Partnerships, Oracle Red Bull Racing, said, “Ford are an automotive manufacturer rich in motoring history that spans generations. Welcoming them as title partner of the Red Bull Ford Academy Programme is hugely exciting and demonstrates their appetite for improving female representation in motorsports both on and off the track. F1 Academy marks a major step forward for female drivers’ progression to the next level in motorsport and helps provide a pathway to ensure they can fulfil their potential, a commitment that is fully supported by Ford. The wealth of technical expertise that they bring to the partnership is crucial for the success of the Red Bull Ford Academy Programme car, and we are excited to see what the 2024 F1 Academy season brings.”
Sarah Harrington, Red Bull Academy, Programme Manager, said, “Welcoming Ford to the Red Bull Academy Programme is a landmark moment for us. Their investment represents so much more than just a title partnership, it helps to further extend Red Bull’s long legacy of developing talent and breaking down the barriers in motorsport. Diversity and inclusion are the centre of the Red Bull Academy Programme and we are very much looking forward to competing in the 2024 F1 Academy season.”
The announcement comes at a pivotal time for Ford, as it prepares for its anticipated return to F1 as a power unit supplier in 2026. This strategic alliance positions both companies at the forefront of promoting diversity and talent development within the sport.
Ford Motor Company, often shortened to just Ford, is a major American automaker founded in 1903 by Henry Ford. It’s headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan and is known for revolutionizing the car industry with the assembly line and affordable vehicles.
Red Bull initiated the Red Bull Academy Programme for the betterment of grassroots female drivers to assist young drivers in climbing up the ladder within the motorsport ecosystem.
Spanning seven locations globally, the 2024 F1 Academy embarks on its next chapter in Miami, hitting the track from May 3-5.