Red Bull's Ford Partnership: A 'New Way' Forged by Honda's Withdrawal

Helmut Marko has labeled Red Bull's upcoming power unit partnership with Ford as a "new way for Red Bull Racing," a significant shift born out of necessity after Honda's initial withdrawal from Formula 1. The team, which dominated the hybrid era with Honda, is now preparing to become a full-fledged engine manufacturer for the first time, a move that will define its future as the sport enters a new regulatory era in 2026.

Why it matters:

This move marks the end of Red Bull's dominant partnership with Honda, which delivered four consecutive Drivers' titles and two Constructors' championships. Becoming a manufacturer gives Red Bull full control over its performance destiny, a critical advantage in a sport where the power unit is a key differentiator. It's a high-risk, high-reward strategy, pitting the team against established engine builders like Mercedes, Ferrari, and the incoming Audi and Honda.

The details:

• Marko explained that Honda's initial departure "forced" them down this path. "We had already invested. And also our combustion engine at that time was running," he noted, highlighting their commitment was already solid when Honda reversed its decision.
• Honda has since returned to F1 and will supply Aston Martin from 2026, creating a new and familiar rival on the grid.
• Max Verstappen has already heard the new power unit on a dynamometer, remarking that it "sounded good... crisp," offering a small but positive early sign from the driver's perspective.
• The 2026 regulations feature a 50/50 split between electrical and internal combustion power running on sustainable fuels, making this a clean slate for all manufacturers involved.

What's next:

The Red Bull-Ford power unit is set to make its track debut at the start of the 2026 season, a monumental moment for the team. The project will unfold without Helmut Marko at the helm, as he is set to step down from his advisory role after the 2025 season. The ultimate question remains whether Red Bull can translate its chassis dominance into power unit supremacy and challenge the established manufacturers from day one.