Later this month, both Red Bull teams will get their first taste of the new in-house power units. Although the first winter test in Barcelona will take place behind closed doors, it remains an important benchmark for Ford and Red Bull.
Ford performance chief Mark Rushbrook said the test would make it clear whether all the work carried out over the past three years had paid off in producing a competitive power unit.
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Ford’s new strategy focuses more on internal combustion engines
Over the years, Ford has done more behind the scenes than originally planned.
In the first discussions on the Red Bull side, still led by Christian Horner, Ford wanted to contribute to the electrical components in addition to providing financial support for the project. It has since expanded into 3D printing, with more elements later added, according to Rushbrook.
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“The initial list was mainly focused on the electrification part: battery, motor, inverter, software and calibration board. That was the main list and it has definitely been delivered,” Lashbrooke explained in an exclusive interview with Motorsport.com.
“But what we didn’t expect, and wasn’t initially a priority for us, was the internal combustion engine. During the project, things changed, especially when our road car cycle plans changed.”
In line with Ford Motor Company’s broader strategy, Red Bull Powertrain’s F1 program has a slightly different focus.
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Mark Rushbrook, director of Ford Performance Motorsports
Mark Rushbrook, director of Ford Performance Motorsports
“In our road car cycle programme, we will continue to have internal combustion engines, full hybrids and full electrics. So it is increasingly important for us to be involved in internal combustion engine development.”
Ford hopes to apply knowledge from F1’s internal combustion engines to road cars, something that was not considered in the initial discussions with Red Bull.
“When we looked at the electrical part of it, and we looked at what was going on with the internal combustion engine, we saw an opportunity to get involved and contribute. A lot of the actual parts are made in Dearborn [Michigan, USA] Now, on the internal combustion engine side of the power unit. These parts are made every day and shipped every day. “
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Lashbrook said Ford’s increased investment in combustion engines doesn’t mean Red Bull powertrains aren’t capable or can’t do certain things on their own.
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What exactly has F1 brought to Ford?
Rushbrook believes the entire project benefits from this approach, but it also increases F1’s relevance to Ford.
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“On the electrification side, like battery chemistry, we were able to contribute, but we also learned a lot. Software and calibration, I think that’s where we made the biggest contribution from our experience.
“But when I talk about the internal combustion engine, when it comes to the design of it, the actual manufacturing of the components, the physical parts, additive manufacturing, and so on. It really pushes us to a higher level than we were on earlier projects. It really pushes us to another level in terms of people, quality control, dimensional control.”
Red Bull Ford Powertrain
Red Bull Ford Powertrain
Will Ford stay in F1 longer?
The fact that Ford continues to produce purely combustion-engined cars goes hand-in-hand with F1’s long-term relevance.
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In 2025, discussions began about engine formulations beyond the current cycle. FIA president Mohammed bin Sulayem initially pushed for a V10 engine, although the idea was later scaled back to a V8 with electric components.
If Ford continues to produce internal combustion engines, will that be enough for the Blue Oval, or is there still a concrete hope of staying in F1 longer than 2030?
“We have a future-proofed product line-up. We know that for the foreseeable future we will have combustion engines, hybrids and fully electric engines, especially now that global regulations are more regionalised. This means we need to adapt our circularity plans to these needs and we primarily want to race to support innovation and technology transfer.”
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Ford remains open to F1’s future as it now uses a variety of powerplants for its road cars.
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Ford: Red Bull F1 engine plans ‘on target’ ahead of first track test
‘Some form of electrification’ crucial to Ford’s future in F1
“The fact that we’re going to have multiple variants with different combustion engine balances, hybrids and fully electric, we’re comfortable at the table. As long as we have something that’s reasonably relevant to us, we’ll be happy,” Lashbrooke added.
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“We know it’s going to be give and take in every series we’re in. I think we have a lot of latitude in giving and taking. The things that are being talked about right now are acceptable for us.”
When asked explicitly if this would also apply to V8 engines with at least some level of electrification, Lashbrook concluded: “Yes.”
That makes a long-term partnership with Red Bull beyond the upcoming cycle a realistic prospect, with Ford previously saying the investments were ideal for long-term goals.
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