At the start of 2023, Red Bull announced its partnership with Ford for the development of the 2026 Power Units. This is a major step, as these will be the first engines produced in-house following the end of Red Bull’s collaboration with Honda in 2025. Both Ford and Red Bull are fully engaged in technical and production efforts, leveraging new technologies for the project.
In 2026, Red Bull Racing will officially become a full-fledged constructor, entering F1 with its own engine for the first time. Since its founding, the Milton Keynes team has relied on power units from external manufacturers, with Honda delivering the most success. The partnership between Adrian Newey and Honda maximized the performance of the Japanese power unit, bringing Red Bull four drivers’ titles and two constructors’ championships. Renault also contributed significantly during the Sebastian Vettel era.
Now, by creating its own power unit, Red Bull is stepping into uncharted territory. Ford is playing a crucial role by providing expertise and resources to develop the 2026 PU.
After hearing the sound of its first engine running on 100% sustainable fuel, Ford is now refining the details. The project presents multiple challenges, particularly in terms of sustainability, which limits the number of power units available per season.
To meet this challenge, Ford is employing cutting-edge technologies to develop high-performance and durable components. Through 3D printing and additive manufacturing, Ford is pushing the boundaries of performance.
Ford Performance Motorsports’ Powertrain Director, Christian Hertrich, estimates that Ford has already produced around a thousand parts for Red Bull. “We’re not talking about simple nuts and bolts,” Hertrich explains. “These are complex metal and polymer components, tested to their limits to withstand races with an average speed of 320 kilometers per hour.”
Ford’s commitment spans across multiple divisions, involving expertise from endurance racing to the Dakar Rally. These diverse fields allow Ford to apply its best technologies and knowledge to the 2026 power unit. “We are involving all Ford teams with their respective areas of expertise to contribute to the program,” says Hertrich. “It’s not just the motorsports division working on it. It’s incredible to see how many different parts of the company are already involved.”
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