Red Bull Provides Major Update on Ford Engine Status for F1 2026 Collaboration

Red Bull's F1 2026 power unit, developed in partnership with Ford, has entered a "peak stress moment" as the team races to prepare it for next season. This marks Red Bull's first foray into building its own power unit, a monumental shift following its long-standing engine supply deal with Honda, which concludes at the end of 2025.

Why it matters:

Red Bull's decision to develop its own power unit in collaboration with Ford is a high-stakes gamble that could redefine its identity as a true factory team. Success would cement its position at the pinnacle of F1, while significant hurdles could jeopardize its competitive edge in the new regulatory era.

The details:

• Engine Development Status: Red Bull Powertrains' first in-house power unit is currently undergoing extensive testing on dynamometers, with operations fully scaled up to meet the 2026 deadline. Testing commenced in late January.
• "Peak Stress Moment": Team principal Laurent Mekies emphasized this critical phase, stating the team is under immense pressure to ensure the engine is track-ready for both Red Bull and Racing Bulls' 2026 contenders.
• Historic Undertaking: Mekies highlighted the symbolic significance, calling it the "craziest challenge" in recent F1 history for a team like Red Bull to undertake its own engine development, aligning with the brand's audacious spirit.
• New Power Unit Landscape: Red Bull-Ford Powertrains is one of two new power unit manufacturers entering the grid in 2026, alongside Audi. Cadillac is also joining as a constructor, initially using Ferrari power before introducing its own unit in 2028.
• Other Supplier Changes: The 2026 season will see several power unit shifts, including Alpine switching to customer Mercedes power and Honda partnering with Aston Martin.

What's next:

With the 2026 regulations fast approaching, the coming months will be crucial for Red Bull-Ford Powertrains. Successfully navigating this "peak stress moment" will determine if their ambitious project can deliver a competitive and reliable power unit, allowing Red Bull to maintain its dominant position in a new era of Formula 1.