Electric Cars

Ford is undertaking a significant strategic shift by establishing an internal racing team within the UK to manage its forthcoming Hypercar endeavor in the World Endurance Championship, commencing in 2027. This move signals a departure from its traditional model of collaborating with external racing entities, as the American manufacturer seeks to exert direct control over every facet of its innovative LMDh project. The initiative aims to enhance responsiveness on the track and streamline the integration of racing advancements into its production vehicles. The new operation will centralize its activities in a dedicated facility in Banbury, United Kingdom, underscoring Ford's profound commitment to this high-stakes motorsport category.

The newly formed UK-based team, operating under the Ford Racing umbrella, will be helmed by Dan Sayers, an experienced figure in motorsport who was appointed as the LMDh program manager earlier this year. This internal structure is designed to foster a cohesive team culture, driven by a shared ambition for excellence, and will draw upon Ford's extensive global resources, including its advanced facilities in the United States. The challenge ahead involves not only developing the cutting-edge LMDh car in collaboration with ORECA Motorsport but also meticulously building a dedicated team from the ground up, recruiting top-tier engineers and technicians to ensure peak performance in testing and competition. This bold step by Ford reflects its determination to compete at the highest levels of endurance racing while maximizing the benefits of its motorsport activities for its broader automotive innovations.

Ford's Strategic In-House Shift for WEC Hypercar Program

Ford is embarking on a bold new chapter in its motorsport legacy by establishing a dedicated, in-house racing team in the United Kingdom to spearhead its World Endurance Championship (WEC) Hypercar program, slated for launch in 2027. This marks a notable change from its historical approach of partnering with independent race teams, signifying a direct and centralized management strategy for its LMDh project. The decision reflects Ford's ambition to gain a competitive edge by fostering closer integration between its racing efforts and road car development. This new operational model aims to expedite on-track reactions and efficiently channel technological advancements from the race circuit back into its consumer vehicle lines, underscoring a holistic approach to performance and innovation.

This strategic move is driven by a desire for greater autonomy and efficiency in its high-performance racing endeavors. By bringing the WEC Hypercar program in-house, Ford Racing aims to cultivate a unique team culture grounded in passion and a relentless pursuit of being the best. The new UK facility in Banbury will serve as the hub for this ambitious project, with critical technical and operational support provided by motorsport consultancy Venture Engineering. Dan Sayers, appointed as the LMDh program manager, will lead the team, leveraging Ford's global engineering and development resources across its U.S. facilities. The challenge extends beyond merely building a competitive vehicle; it involves meticulously assembling a world-class team of engineers and technicians, ensuring a cohesive unit capable of pushing the boundaries of endurance racing and seamlessly integrating race-bred innovations into future Ford production models.

Building a Championship-Caliber Team and Innovative Powerplant

The success of Ford's WEC Hypercar program hinges on the meticulous development of both its advanced LMDh vehicle and the assembly of a highly skilled, dedicated team. Under the leadership of Dan Sayers, the program manager, the focus is not only on the technical aspects of car development but also on cultivating a passionate and driven team culture within Ford Racing. This involves a comprehensive recruitment drive to attract top development engineers and technicians, who will be instrumental in both testing and racing operations. The in-house approach, utilizing global Ford Racing facilities in the US, including Dearborn and Charlotte, as well as collaborating with entities like Red Bull Ford Powertrains for the Formula 1 engine, ensures a robust network of expertise and resources dedicated to the Hypercar project.

Ford's commitment to an in-house developed powertrain for the LMDh car further highlights its dedication to technological self-sufficiency and innovation. While specific details about the internal combustion engine's configuration remain under wraps, hints suggest a naturally-aspirated design, showcasing a preference for a particular performance philosophy. The collaboration with ORECA Motorsport in France for the LMDh car's development underscores Ford's strategy of combining internal expertise with specialized external partnerships. This integrated approach, announced after Ford confirmed its Hypercar entry and Sayers' recruitment earlier in the year, positions the company to not only contend for victories in the WEC but also to effectively transfer cutting-edge racing technologies and insights directly into its road-going vehicles, reinforcing its brand image and product performance.

James Vowles, the team principal for Williams, has acknowledged Netflix's series 'Drive to Survive' as a pivotal moment for Formula 1, fundamentally altering the championship's interaction with the media. The popular documentary series has been instrumental in the surge of Formula 1's popularity, particularly in the United States and among a younger demographic. Since its launch in 2019, the show has given fans unparalleled access to the personalities of the drivers and glimpses into their private lives, leading to a significant increase in their social media following.

The influence of 'Drive to Survive' is evident in the burgeoning social media presence of Formula 1 personalities. For instance, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton commands a massive 40.5 million followers on Instagram. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc boasts an impressive 20.5 million followers, while four-time champion Max Verstappen has garnered 16.2 million. This digital engagement extends beyond the drivers themselves; team principals have also experienced an unexpected rise in their online following.

James Vowles himself, since stepping into the role of Williams team principal in 2023, has accumulated a substantial 542,000 followers on Instagram. During his appearance on the 'Business of Sport' podcast, Vowles expressed that his primary motivation for joining the team was not for celebrity status but for his deep love of the sport and the inherent challenges of the role. He believes that the increased visibility brought by 'Drive to Survive' is highly beneficial for both Williams and Formula 1 as a whole. Vowles clarified that he does not perceive his newfound recognition as genuine celebrity status, anticipating that it would naturally diminish if he were to leave his position. He noted that public interactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with fans expressing support for the team's progress rather than criticism.

Williams' recent success, including Carlos Sainz securing his first podium finish with the team at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix under Vowles' leadership, further underscores the team's positive trajectory. Currently, Williams holds the fifth position in the constructors' championship with a total of 101 points. This achievement, combined with the broader exposure from media platforms like Netflix, signals a promising future for the team and the sport's continued growth.

The impact of documentary series like 'Drive to Survive' on Formula 1's global appeal and its ability to connect with diverse audiences is undeniable. This media phenomenon has not only elevated the profiles of its participants but also revitalized interest in the sport, making it more accessible and engaging for a new generation of fans.