Ford Celebrates F-150 Raptor Legacy in New Commercial
The short film highlights the challenging development history of the iconic off-road truck.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Trucks
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Ford is releasing a new commercial titled Project Raptor: Based on a Ford Story to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Ford Racing. The film showcases the development journey of the first-generation F-150 Raptor.
Why it matters
The project serves to honor the origin story of the high-performance truck while acknowledging the perseverance required to bring it to market. It highlights the collaboration between the company and enthusiasts who champion the brand.
The Ford F-150 Raptor project faced six total cancellations during its development process, which began in 2006. Ford Racing commemorates this history alongside the division's 125-year milestone.
The players
Jon Bernthal
An actor who owns a Ford F-150 Raptor and played Lee Iacocca in the film Ford vs. Ferrari.
Ben Affleck
An actor who owns two Ford F-150 Raptors and features in the new Ford commercial.
Ford Racing
The motorsports division of Ford Motor Company that is currently celebrating its 125th anniversary.
The details
The commercial features interviews with Ford Racing engineers Derek Bier, Tim Smith, and Chris Paiva. It highlights how the Baja desert race served as the primary inspiration for the vehicle's engineering and design.
Timeline
Development of the Ford F-150 Raptor began in 2006.
Jon Bernthal introduced Ben Affleck to the truck in 2015.
Jon Bernthal portrayed Lee Iacocca in Ford vs. Ferrari in 2019.
The commercial airs during the Ole Miss vs. Texas football game on October 24, 2026.
The commercial airs during the United States Grand Prix on October 25, 2026.
Roadmap
The marketing effort aligns with the 125th anniversary of Ford Racing to solidify the truck's status as a core component of the brand's performance identity. By connecting the development struggle to current products, Ford reinforces its commitment to Baja-inspired off-road innovation.
Consumers interested in the Ford F-150 Raptor can view the commercial during its scheduled television broadcasts on October 24 and 25, 2026. The film provides insight into the rigorous testing processes that have come to define the truck's performance capabilities.
The takeaway
The development history of the F-150 Raptor highlights how persistence through repeated setbacks can ultimately result in a defining vehicle for a manufacturer. Enthusiasts looking for insights into automotive engineering can see how niche racing inspirations like the Baja course shape mass-market production trucks.
Further reading
For more on the latest high-performance vehicles, visit our Trucks section.
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