Ford's F1 Partnership with Red Bull Grows to Include Combustion Engine

Ford's involvement in the Red Bull Powertrains project for the 2026 F1 season has expanded significantly beyond its initial scope. Originally planned to focus on electrical components, Ford is now also a key contributor to the internal combustion engine's design and manufacturing. This shift is a direct result of Ford's evolving road car strategy, which continues to prioritize hybrid and combustion technology alongside full electrification.

Why it matters:

The deepened partnership transforms F1 from a marketing exercise into a crucial R&D platform for Ford. Knowledge gained from developing a high-performance F1 combustion engine can be directly applied to Ford's future road cars, which will continue to utilize hybrid and ICE technology. It also signals a strong, long-term commitment from Ford to Formula 1, making a partnership extension with Red Bull beyond 2030 a realistic possibility.

The details:

• Initial Agreement: Ford was initially slated to contribute to the electrical side—battery cells, motors, inverters, and software—alongside financial backing for the new power unit.
• Expanded Role: The collaboration grew to include additive manufacturing (3D printing) and, crucially, significant involvement in the combustion engine itself. Ford is now producing and shipping physical ICE components daily from its facility in Dearborn, Michigan.
• Strategic Shift: Ford's decision was driven by its own road car strategy. The company confirmed it will continue producing ICE, full hybrid, and full electric vehicles, making F1's hybrid power unit highly relevant for technology transfer.
• Elevated Standards: Mark Rushbrook, Ford Performance director, noted the project has pushed Ford's engineering, quality control, and manufacturing capabilities to "another level" beyond previous motorsport programs.

Looking ahead:

Ford's increased investment and broadened scope make a long-term partnership with Red Bull beyond the 2030 season increasingly likely. Because Ford's road car portfolio will include a diverse mix of powertrains, the company is open-minded about F1's future regulations. Rushbrook confirmed Ford would be comfortable with a potential V8 hybrid formula, as discussed for the next cycle beyond 2030. The upcoming first fire-up of the power unit will be a critical early test of the deepened collaboration.