Ford praises Horner and Mekies as Red Bull-Ford power unit project hits the track

The Red Bull-Ford Powertrains partnership has officially turned a wheel on track, with initial filming days at Imola and a collective shakedown in Barcelona marking the project's first tangible steps. Ford Performance director Mark Rushbrook highlighted the critical roles played by outgoing team principal Christian Horner and his successor, Laurent Mekies, in cementing the collaboration and setting the technical direction for the new era.

Why it matters:

Securing a competitive and independent power unit is vital for Red Bull's long-term dominance, especially after the instability caused by previous supplier partnerships. The integration of Ford's resources with Red Bull's chassis expertise, guided by engineering-led leadership, aims to create a seamless package optimized for the 2026 regulations and beyond.

The details:

• The Origin Story: The deal materialized after Porsche's demand for equal partnership status was rejected. Rushbrook took the initiative, emailing Horner to propose a conversation, which led to a pivotal meeting in Dearborn where Ford CEO Jim Farley notably wore a Sergio Perez cap to signal alignment.
• Horner’s Advocacy: Horner was a driving force behind the in-house engine project, motivated by past experiences with Renault and Honda. He strongly believed that tighter integration between the power unit and chassis would yield long-term performance benefits.
• Mekies’ Engineering Edge: Ford values the technical background of new Team Principal Laurent Mekies. His engineering mindset allows him to effectively support technical directors like Pierre Wache and Paul Monaghan, ensuring that projects are understood and approved efficiently.
• A Familiar Face: The transition was smoothed by Mekies' previous tenure at Racing Bulls (VCARB), where Ford had already established a working relationship with him ahead of the 2026 power unit introduction.

Looking ahead:

As the 2026 regulations loom, the synergy between Ford's manufacturing might and Red Bull's engineering prowess will be under the microscope. With leadership that understands both the commercial and technical nuances of the sport, the partnership aims to hit the ground running and challenge the established order immediately.