News Summary
- Ford has confirmed that it continues to evaluate a potential IndyCar programme
- Mark Rushbrook says the manufacturer regularly reviews the series as part of its five-year motorsport strategy
- IndyCar introduces a new 2.4-litre twin-turbo V6 hybrid engine formula in 2028, potentially reducing the barriers for a third manufacturer
Ford has acknowledged that a future IndyCar programme remains under consideration as the American manufacturer continues an aggressive expansion of its global motorsport activities.
Ford Racing global director Mark Rushbrook confirmed that IndyCar forms part of the categories regularly evaluated within the company’s five-year competition plan. Ford is not currently preparing a confirmed programme, but Rushbrook made clear that the manufacturer’s absence from IndyCar does not necessarily mean it will remain outside the series.
“We race almost everywhere, but we’re always looking at our five-year plan for future participation and continuously evaluating every series, including IndyCar,” Rushbrook said.
“The fact that we’re not there right now just shows that, so far, the timing hasn’t been right. But that doesn’t mean it will stay that way.”
IndyCar’s 2028 reset creates an opportunity for Ford
The timing of Ford’s interest is particularly relevant because IndyCar is preparing for its biggest technical change in years.
The championship will introduce the IR-28 chassis in 2028 alongside a new 2.4-litre twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid engine formula, replacing the current 2.2-litre architecture. Chevrolet and Honda have already committed to developing engines for the new regulations.
IndyCar president J. Douglas Boles has acknowledged that the long life of the current engine created a major obstacle for attracting another manufacturer. Chevrolet and Honda have invested years of development into the existing package, making it difficult for a newcomer to enter and immediately compete at the same level. The 2028 regulations change that equation.
“We have now a reset in terms of engine rules,” Boles said earlier this year. “That gives us the opportunity to present interested manufacturers with a more even playing field.”
The new engine is expected to produce up to 760hp from its internal-combustion component, accompanied by an evolved hybrid system with greater energy storage and deployment capacity.
Ford is expanding across global motorsport
A potential IndyCar programme would fit into a rapidly growing Ford Racing portfolio.
The manufacturer entered Formula 1 in 2026 through its technical partnership with Red Bull Powertrains, which achieved its first Grand Prix victory with Max Verstappen at Sepang.
Ford is also preparing a factory Hypercar programme for the World Endurance Championship, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, while expanding its presence in off-road competition.
The company has now also confirmed a return to the World Rally Championship as a full works manufacturer from 2028, continuing its long relationship with M-Sport before introducing an all-new car in 2029.
That expansion gives additional context to Rushbrook’s comments. Ford is actively using motorsport across multiple markets and technical regulations, while IndyCar remains one of the most prominent American championships absent from its current programme.
IndyCar wants a third engine manufacturer
IndyCar has spent years trying to attract another manufacturer to join Chevrolet and Honda.
Both existing suppliers signed new multi-year commitments earlier in 2026, beginning in 2027, and have committed to the 2028 engine regulations.
But the series has deliberately kept the door open for another manufacturer.
A third supplier would reduce the number of cars Chevrolet and Honda need to support while adding greater manufacturer competition. That becomes particularly important at the Indianapolis 500, where 33 cars need engines every May.
Boles has identified the 2028 technical reset as an opportunity to make IndyCar considerably more attractive to potential newcomers.
Ford would also bring substantial historical connections to American open-wheel racing. The manufacturer supplied engines extensively in CART and Champ Car before the reunification of American open-wheel racing in 2008.
Chevrolet and Honda already preparing for new era
Ford’s acknowledgement comes as Chevrolet and Honda accelerate preparations for the IR-28.
The new car has already completed road-course and oval validation testing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with Alexander Rossi representing Chevrolet and Alex Palou driving the Honda-powered version.
The IR-28 is designed to be lighter and faster than the current IndyCar, while the new engine regulations increase power and reduce the weight of the hybrid power unit.
GRANDE PRÊMIO provides full coverage of the IndyCar Series and international motorsport.
FAQ
Is Ford joining IndyCar?
Ford has not confirmed an IndyCar programme. Ford Racing boss Mark Rushbrook says the manufacturer continuously evaluates the series as part of its five-year motorsport planning and has not ruled out joining in the future.
