Ford Rules Out Prototype Future Amid F1 Commitment

Photo: Ford

Ford has backtracked from comments made at the Rolex 24 at Daytona regarding a possible future in prototype racing, with the manufacturer now ruling out a LMDh or LMH effort amid its recent commitment to Formula 1.

The Detroit automaker’s global motorsports director told reporters last month that it had been keeping evaluations open for a top-class prototype program, with equal consideration given to both platforms, although Mark Rushbrook and Ford CEO Jim Farley have now indicated to MotorTrend that this is no longer the case.

It comes following last week’s announcement that Ford will return to F1 as a hybrid powertrain supplier to Red Bull Racing beginning in 2026.

The Blue Oval will instead focus its sports car racing efforts around the new Mustang GT3 and GT4 cars, as well as the launch of a new single-make Mustang series that could debut by as early as next year.

“The Mustang pillar includes sports car racing globally, at all levels from grassroots to professional,” Rushbrook told MotorTrend.

“And we can do it with a production-based car allowing us to fully benefit from two-way tech transfer and make a meaningful connection to our passionate fans.

“IMSA and WEC prototypes would add an element of electrification but we’re very satisfied with the electrification, both [on the] technical and marketing [sides], we will have in WRC with the Puma hybrid and now in F1.”

Ford is the latest manufacturer to prioritize its newly announced involvement in the world’s premier open-wheel series over a potential prototype program, with Audi having shuttered its previously-announced LMDh project in favor of entering F1.

While Ford had never made any commitment nor had begun development of a car, Audi axed its program with a prototype already in build.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John