F1 News: Ford and Red Bull Forge Ahead in Preparation for 2026 Regulation Changes
Ford has recently provided an update on its partnership with Red Bull, indicating that while there have been significant advancements, there’s still a considerable journey ahead. Mark Rushbrook, Ford Performance director, highlighted a promising start to their collaboration, essential for the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 regulation changes.
Key Takeaways:
- Strategic Partnership Developments: Over the past year, Ford has made positive strides in collaboration with Red Bull. This partnership is particularly significant as Formula 1 moves into a new era in 2026 with revamped regulations. Ford’s expertise, especially in the electric vehicle sector, is playing a crucial role in developing Red Bull’s power unit through Red Bull Powertrains.
- 2026 Regulation Changes: The forthcoming regulations are set to bring a radical change, requiring a 50/50 balance between internal combustion and electric power in F1 cars. These changes are not only about performance but also sustainability, as the internal combustion engines will be powered by sustainable fuels.
- Implications for Red Bull and the Broader F1 Landscape: Red Bull’s current engine partnership with Honda will conclude at the end of 2025, with Honda moving to supply Aston Martin in 2026. The shift towards sustainable fuels is attracting new manufacturers, like Audi, to Formula 1. This evolution comes at a time when Red Bull, powered by its driver Max Verstappen, is dominating the sport, raising expectations for their performance under the new rules.
Ford’s involvement in the electric vehicle domain is proving invaluable as they assist Red Bull in crafting a competitive power unit for the upcoming era. The changes in the regulations, mandating a more sustainable approach, align well with Ford’s growth trajectory in this sector.
With the end of Red Bull’s engine supply deal with Honda in 2025, the stage is set for a significant transition. Aston Martin will be receiving new power units from Honda starting 2026, marking a shift in the F1 landscape. This change coincides with Red Bull’s outstanding performance in the recent season, where they achieved a record-breaking 21 wins out of 22 races, and Max Verstappen secured his third championship title.
The pressure is undoubtedly on for Ford as they step into this partnership with Red Bull, a team with a track record of excellence. The expectations are high, not just for performance but also for adhering to the new sustainable practices mandated by the 2026 regulations.
Mark Rushbrook’s words to Motorsport.com encapsulate the essence of this partnership: “With Red Bull the work is going very well, they are our partners and we are focused on winning. We want to have the ability to win in motorsport and we hope to do that with the best possible partner. We’ve made a lot of progress over the last year, but there’s still a long way to go, with a lot of development to do to be ready to be on the grid in 2026.”
As the world of Formula 1 gears up for a transformative era, the collaboration between Ford and Red Bull is a beacon of progress and ambition, setting the stage for what could be a defining moment in the sport’s history.
