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Ford announced its return to Formula 1 in partnership with Red Bull Racing. Together, the companies are developing state-of-the-art hybrid power units, including a 350 kW electric motor and a sustainable combustion engine. The collaboration aims to lead the next era of motorsport, focusing on technological advancements and sustainability.
The world of Formula 1 is about to witness one of the most impactful changes in decades.
Starting in 2026, a surprising partnership promises to redefine engine development in motorsport.
Two powers in the automotive sector are joining forces to create an innovative power unit, and this change could have profound consequences on the performance of one of the most successful teams today.
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Ford, a giant in the automotive industry, officially announced its return to Formula 1 and will be part of the development of the Red Bull Racing engine starting in 2026.
The partnership, formalized with Red Bull Powertrains, aims to produce a hybrid power unit that will comply with the new regulations of the category.
According to Ford itself, the collaboration will also benefit Scuderia AlphaTauri, providing engines for both teams in the Red Bull group.
Advanced Development and 3D Printing
Since 2023, engineers from Ford and Red Bull Powertrains have been working on the development of the new power unit, which will integrate a 350 kW electric motor and an internal combustion engine (ICE) that will use 100% sustainable fuels.
This project aligns with Formula 1’s plans to significantly reduce its carbon footprint and adopt more efficient and clean technologies.
To ensure the quality and efficiency of the engine, Ford has already begun producing over a thousand 3D-printed parts for the 2026 Red Bull car.
Among the manufactured components are cooling plates, whose testing technology is similar to that used in the aerospace industry.
According to Christian Hertrich, manager of power units at Ford Performance Motorsports, the developed components are not simple and require a high level of precision and strength.
“These are not things like nuts and bolts and easy stuff. These are complex metal and polymer parts that are tested to the limit so they can withstand races that reach speeds of up to 350 km/h,” Hertrich stated.
The End of the Partnership with Honda and the Challenges for Red Bull
Currently, Red Bull Racing uses power units supplied by Honda, a collaboration that has brought important titles to the team.
However, this partnership will end at the conclusion of the 2025 season, as the Japanese manufacturer will join Aston Martin starting in 2026.
This change marks a significant challenge for Red Bull, which will develop its own power units for the first time in its history.
This transition requires a significant engineering effort, and Ford will play an essential role in this process.
Although it was initially expected that Ford would only provide financial and technical support for the electrical part of the engine, the company has expanded its involvement and will also participate in the development of the internal combustion engine (ICE) and the turbocharger.
According to Hertrich, “We are bringing together all Ford teams and their different specializations to support this program. It’s not just the motorsport group involved. It’s amazing to see how many areas of the company are working together on this project”.
Expectations for 2026 and Impact on Formula 1
The director of Ford Performance, Mark Rushbrook, made it clear that the automaker does not just want to participate in Formula 1 — the goal is to win.
“We are focused on winning from the very first day of competition in 2026”, Rushbrook stated.
This commitment demonstrates the seriousness of the partnership with Red Bull and the desire of both companies to dominate the new era of the category.
In addition to contributing its technical expertise, Ford also sees Formula 1 as a strategic platform for advancements in electric mobility and the development of sustainable fuels.
With increasingly efficiency-focused and environmentally responsible regulations, the category becomes a laboratory of innovation for automakers.
Ford’s entry into Formula 1 marks a new chapter in the history of motorsport. What could this partnership mean for the future of Red Bull and the category? Leave your opinion in the comments!
A Ford vai acabar com a Redbull