In a bold shift for the sport, 2026 will see Ford stepping back into Formula 1 as Red Bull Powertrains’ technical ally, while General Motors will partner with Cadillac to introduce an 11th team to the lineup. The anticipated spark of the Ford and Chevrolet competition is gaining traction among NASCAR enthusiasts, with Dale Earnhardt Jr. at the heart of the excitement. The Dale Earnhardt Jr. Formula 1 connection stands out as both automakers set their sights on victory.
American Manufacturers Gear Up for Formula 1 Showdown
The Formula 1 landscape will change dramatically as iconic American brands return to the global stage. Ford is aiming to design cutting-edge hybrid engines for both Oracle Red Bull Racing and Visa Cash App RB, signaling its comeback after over 20 years away from the grid. In parallel, General Motors—Chevrolet’s parent company—will debut by using Ferrari-supplied engines but has committed to creating its own power units, with ambitions to become a full manufacturer entry by 2029. This renewed rivalry has ignited spirited debates, not just within garages, but across the entire motorsports community.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Relishes the Return of Old Rivalries
Watching the tension escalate, Dale Earnhardt Jr., a legendary figure in American stock car racing, expressed obvious enjoyment as the Ford vs. Chevrolet narrative returns to an international spotlight. Famous for his allegiance to Chevrolet, having driven both the No. 8 for Dale Earnhardt Inc. and the No. 88 for Hendrick Motorsports, Earnhardt Jr. did not hold back his enthusiasm during the resurgence of classic manufacturer duels.
“Damn let’s go. I miss these manufacturer wars. The battle is back on! I love it. Kick their ass @TeamChevy,”
— Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Legend
Corporate Clashes Take Center Stage
The rivalry between Ford and GM isn’t only being played out on social media or in the garages—it’s also taking shape at the very top of each company. Dan Towriss, CEO of the Cadillac F1 Team, was candid when comparing his company’s commitment to Ford’s:
“It’s not even close. One is a marketing deal with very minimal impact, while GM is an equity owner (in the Cadillac team). They’re deeply embedded from an engineering standpoint, and they were involved from day one. Those two deals couldn’t be more different.”
— Dan Towriss, Cadillac F1 Team CEO
Ford Strikes Back at GM’s Claims
Not to be outdone, Ford representatives, including Executive Chairman Bill Ford, dismissed Cadillac’s characterization. Bill Ford countered directly:
“If anything looks like a marketing effort, that does… I would say, actually, the reverse is true. They’re running a Ferrari engine. They’re not running a Cadillac engine. I don’t know if they have any GM employees on the race team.”
— Bill Ford, Ford Executive Chairman
Adding to the defense, Will Ford, general manager for Ford Performance, echoed Bill Ford’s insistence that their collaboration with Red Bull was far more than a branding exercise, emphasizing the depth of technical involvement and investment in the project. Both automakers continue to position themselves as the true pioneers of American innovation on the world stage.
The Road Ahead: Anticipation for the Next Chapter
Dale Earnhardt Jr. continues to champion the intrigue building up as American competition returns to Formula 1. The two automotive giants’ public clashes have breathed new life into old rivalries, echoing the days when such battles were the highlight of North American motorsport. With the 2026 season on the horizon and powerhouses like Bill Ford, Dan Towriss, and giants Ford and General Motors setting their strategies in motion, fans can expect the flames of competition—and manufacturer pride—to burn even brighter. The fusion of traditional NASCAR energy with the global prestige of Formula 1 means the coming years promise fireworks both on and off the track.
Damn let's go. I miss these manufacturer wars. The battle is back on! I love it. Kick their ass @TeamChevy
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) January 14, 2026
