Ford takes bigger role in Red Bull’s power unit
After three years of work, Red Bull Ford Powertrains will unveil its result. Various reports have been published in recent months and weeks, ranging from a predictably difficult start to a “trick” that could give them an advantage of around four tenths of a second per lap, alongside Mercedes.
Photo: @Motorsport
According to the latest information on the new power unit that will power Red Bull and Racing Bulls in 2026, it appears that the American company has had more influence than initially agreed. The result of the last three years of work will be seen in the upcoming pre-season tests, which will confirm whether the work has paid off.
Ford Performance director Mark Rushbrook told Motorsport that the initial agreement with Red Bull was to collaborate on the electronic components, in addition to providing financial support for the project. However, something changed and pushed the team to also work on the combustion engine.
The reason? The cycle plan for road cars has changed:
“On our road car cycle plans, we will continue to have ICE, full hybrid, and full electric. So, it became increasingly important for us to be part of the combustion engine development as well.”
Head of Motorsport Ford Performance, Mark Rushbrook
Photo: @AlexanderTrienitz
Ford's decision to continue manufacturing combustion engines has prompted it to also contribute to this area with Red Bull Powertrains. There is an intention to bring Formula 1 combustion engine knowledge to road cars, something that was not on the table in the initial discussions with Red Bull.
Another detail revealed in Motorsport’s article is that many of the parts being manufactured at Ford's headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan, are related to the combustion of the power unit.
Some of you may think that Ford's approach and change of plans are in line with Red Bull Powertrains' inability to do things on its own, it is not the case. Mark Rushbrook has confirmed that it is not related, but rather that it is an opportunity for the brand.
Photo: @REDBULLCONTENTPOOL
To be part of the development of an F1 engine has led Ford to reach levels that were not expected in the initial discussions, which is a noteworthy achievement. However, it does not mean that they will be ahead of their competitors, although it is encouraging.
Ford's future in Formula 1 seems wide open. If the production of cars powered by combustion engines continues, the brand could maintain a full range of power units in the future, alongside hybrid and electric ones, which would allow their involvement in the competition to last longer than expected.
The noise about Red Bull’s future is still a bit unknown, wether it is positive or negative. Max Verstappen’s future is also one of the points to be discussed this year, especially if the team does not perform. The last reports about the engine are promising, but if we take the look back a few months ago, it was different. If Red Bull wants to keep its superstar linked, staying close to Mercedes could be enough.
What do we know so far? Apparently, its engine could be top-of-the-line. Although, the track will determine whether all the engine manufacturers’ work has been in vain or not.
