Cosworth put up for sale as F1 future in doubt
Cosworth’s owners have hired UBS to seek a buyer after the loss of Williams and Caterham leaves the British engine builder’s Formula One future uncertain.
Cosworth, the British engineering firm best known for its long history as a Formula One engine supplier, has been put up for sale after losing its two most prominent F1 customers, Williams and Caterham. The move comes as Cosworth faces the prospect of not being on the F1 grid in 2014, with no confirmed programme for the new turbo V6 era.
Cosworth’s current owners, American motorsport figures Gerry Forsythe and Kevin Kalkhoven, have instructed the investment bank UBS to find a new buyer for the company. The Times reported that Rolls-Royce, which has developed links with Cosworth through aerospace projects, is a potential suitor. GKN, the British aerospace and automotive supplier, is also said to be interested.
Loss of F1 customers triggers sale
The decision to seek new ownership follows Cosworth’s failure to secure ongoing contracts with Williams and Caterham, both of which have switched to other engine suppliers for the 2014 season. This leaves Cosworth supplying only Marussia and HRT, two teams with limited resources and uncertain futures themselves. Without a confirmed deal for the new 1.6-litre turbo V6 engines required by the 2014 Formula One regulations, Cosworth’s position in the sport is precarious.
Despite public statements that Cosworth has a plan to stay in Formula One beyond the current rules, there are persistent doubts within the paddock about whether the company can keep up with the development pace of rivals Ferrari, Renault and Mercedes. Cosworth’s lack of a confirmed V6 programme for 2014 has fuelled speculation that it could exit the sport altogether if a buyer is not found.
Potential buyers and future prospects
Rolls-Royce’s name has surfaced as a leading candidate, thanks to its existing connections with Cosworth in aerospace engineering. GKN, another major British engineering group, is also reportedly interested in acquiring the business. Both companies have the resources and technical background to integrate Cosworth’s expertise, though neither has commented publicly on the reports.
- Cosworth’s F1 future depends on securing a new owner willing to invest in next-generation engine technology.
- The company’s engineering capabilities remain valued in motorsport and high-performance automotive sectors beyond Formula One.
Cosworth’s chief executive, Tim Routsis, said the company had been in a holding pattern for 18 months and could not afford to wait any longer without risking its momentum. The sale process is expected to determine whether Cosworth can continue as a Formula One supplier or will shift focus to other engineering sectors.
