Ford's Role in Red Bull's F1 Engine Expands to Include Combustion Unit
Ford's involvement in Red Bull's 2026 power unit has deepened, expanding beyond electrical components to include the internal combustion engine. The partnership's evolution stems from Ford's own road car strategy, with parts now being manufactured and shipped daily.
Ford's contribution to Red Bull's new Formula 1 power unit is far more significant than initially announced, extending from electrical components to the core internal combustion engine. This expanded partnership, born from a shift in Ford's road car strategy, sees the American manufacturer actively producing and shipping engine parts from its Dearborn headquarters. The move signals a deep technical integration between the two companies as they prepare for the 2026 regulations.
Why it matters:
- Red Bull's ambitious project to build its own power unit from scratch is a massive technical undertaking, and Ford's increased involvement provides a crucial boost.
- Leveraging the manufacturing and engineering prowess of a global automotive giant like Ford could significantly accelerate Red Bull's development and help them close the gap to established engine manufacturers like Mercedes and Ferrari from day one of the new era.
The details:
- Initial Scope: The partnership was originally designed for Ford to focus on the electrical side of the hybrid power unit, including the battery, inverter, and software calibration.
- Strategic Shift: The change was driven by Ford's revised road car strategy, which maintains a commitment to internal combustion engines alongside hybrids and EVs. This created natural synergies, making F1 involvement in the ICE a logical step.
- Active Production: Ford is now manufacturing specific components for the Red Bull combustion engine at its Dearborn facility. These parts are made and shipped on a daily basis to support the rapid development pace required in Formula 1.
- A True Collaboration: Ford's performance director Mark Rushbrook clarified the expansion wasn't due to any deficiency at Red Bull. Instead, it grew from technical discussions where Red Bull would ask, "What would Ford do in this case?" leading to deeper involvement.
Looking Ahead:
This deepened partnership signals a serious, long-term commitment from both Ford and Red Bull to challenge for top honors from 2026 onwards. By combining Red Bull's F1-specific expertise with Ford's vast manufacturing and internal combustion engine knowledge, the team is building a formidable foundation for its power unit project. This collaboration could prove to be a decisive factor in shaping the competitive landscape of the next generation of Formula 1.