F1
Ford Returns To Formula 1 With Red Bull Powertrains
New technical partnership sees development of the next-gen hybrid power unit
After more than two decades, Ford is returning to Formula 1. The iconic American automaker and Red Bull Powertrains are entering into a long term strategic technical partnership for the development of a next-gen hybrid power unit to be used from the 2026 Formula 1 season onward.
These will take to the grid under the name of Red Bull Ford Powertrains in both the Oracle Red Bull Racing Team and Scuderia Alpha Tauri.
With more than a century in the automotive industry, Ford are bringing significant technical expertise to Red Bull Ford Powertrains including knowledge of hybrid power, electrification, battery cell technology and control cells.
“Ford’s return to Formula 1 with Red Bull Racing is all about where we are going as a company– increasingly electric, software-defined, modern vehicles and experiences” Jim Farley, President and CEO, Ford Motor Company.
“As an independent engine manufacturer to have the ability to benefit from an OEM’s experience like Ford puts us in good stead against the competition. They are a manufacturer rich in motoring history that spans generations. From Jim Clark to Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher, the lineage speaks for itself. For us as Red Bull Powertrains to open the next chapter of that dynasty, as Red Bull Ford Powertrains, is tremendously exciting. 2026 is still a while a way but for us the work already starts as we look to a new future and a continued evolution of Oracle Red Bull Racing.” - Christian Horner, Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal and CEO.