“Ford and Red Bull Power Ahead: 2026 F1 Engine Development Exceeds Expectations”

F1 – Ford and Red Bull Powertrains Hit Key Milestones in 2026 F1 Engine Development

Ford has provided an encouraging update on the progress of its ambitious Formula 1 power unit project with Red Bull Powertrains (RBPT), as the duo prepares for a new era in the sport starting in 2026. With sweeping changes to F1 engine regulations on the horizon, the collaboration between Ford and Red Bull is seen as a critical alliance that could shape the future of the grid.

Ford and Red Bull: A High-Performance Partnership

The 2026 Formula 1 season will mark Red Bull’s first campaign as a full-fledged engine manufacturer, a bold move initially prompted by Honda’s departure from the sport. Though Honda has since reversed its decision and will partner with Aston Martin, Red Bull is pressing forward with its original vision—to develop and build its own power units under the RBPT banner, now strengthened by Ford’s technical expertise.

Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Performance, revealed that the project is progressing well and is even exceeding early expectations. Speaking to Motorsport.com Netherlands, Rushbrook emphasized the growing synergy between the two companies.

“The partnership is actually getting stronger every day. The openness, the trust, and the contribution from both sides have been excellent. It’s everything we hoped for—and actually more than we expected,” Rushbrook said.

Advanced Manufacturing and Real-Time Development

Originally, Ford’s role in the Red Bull Powertrains collaboration was centered on the development of the hybrid and electrical systems. However, the scope has since broadened. Ford is now contributing to the internal combustion engine (ICE) side of the project, leveraging its cutting-edge manufacturing facilities and rapid prototyping capabilities.

“Initially the focus was on electrification,” Rushbrook explained. “But with our advanced manufacturing facility and [3D] printing machines, we can make things in real time. We are literally making things every day that come out of Dearborn, are shipped, and are tested in the lab in Milton Keynes.”

This hands-on, iterative development model has allowed the power unit team to make quick adjustments and test performance upgrades efficiently—an essential approach given the tight timelines and the complexity of hybrid F1 engines.

Meeting Power and Reliability Benchmarks

With just over a year to go before the 2026 F1 power unit regulations take effect, one question looms large: is the Red Bull-Ford engine meeting its performance targets?

Rushbrook offered a cautiously optimistic outlook. He confirmed that the current development version of the power unit is hitting its performance numbers in terms of power output. However, as always in Formula 1 engine development, performance must go hand-in-hand with reliability.

“Yes, we are meeting power targets,” he said. “But of course, you can never achieve everything 100 percent. That’s the reality of any program. It’s about how you respond, in terms of urgency and mindset. When the engine finds more power, then of course it’s always about testing reliability.”

This cycle—“power, reliability, power, reliability”—is an ongoing process, especially under the stringent performance and efficiency demands of modern F1 regulations.

Ford’s Return to F1 Adds Weight to Red Bull’s Ambitions

Ford’s return to Formula 1, after an absence of over two decades, comes with the aim of showcasing the brand’s innovation in hybrid technology, electrification, and high-performance engineering. With Red Bull chasing continued dominance in the sport, Ford’s technical involvement offers a robust foundation for future success.

As 2026 draws nearer, all eyes will be on the performance of this all-new Red Bull-Ford power unit. With clear progress being made and a partnership that appears to be thriving, the prospects for this ambitious project look increasingly promising.

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