Is Red Bull F1 using Ford?
No. Red Bull Racing currently does not use Ford as its Formula 1 engine supplier. The team relies on power units built by Red Bull Powertrains (RBPT) with Honda technology, and Ford has announced a future plan to supply power units from 2026, which is not yet in effect.
Current power unit arrangement
What powers Red Bull Racing and its sister team today, and how the engine branding works in the current landscape.
- Power unit origin: Honda-based engines developed by Red Bull Powertrains (RBPT), continuing the partnership that began with Honda’s technology.
- Teams using RBPT engines: Red Bull Racing and AlphaTauri (now operating under the RBPT/Honda-derived platform).
- Branding and designation: the engines are associated with Honda RBPT branding, not Ford, with Honda’s technology forming the core.
In short, the current F1 engines used by Red Bull and its sister team are not Ford; they remain RBPT engines built on Honda technology as of the 2024–2025 seasons.
Ford's planned return to Formula 1
What has been announced about Ford’s prospective involvement in F1 and how it relates to Red Bull Powertrains.
- Date and scope: Ford has publicly signaled a plan to supply a Formula 1 power unit starting in the 2026 season, marking a return to the sport after decades away.
- Partnership: the intended arrangement involves a collaboration with Red Bull Powertrains to develop and supply the power unit for Red Bull Racing (and potentially other RBPT-affiliated teams).
- Technical details: the exact configuration (ICE, MGU-H/energy recovery systems, wiring, branding) and organizational responsibilities are still being clarified as development progresses.
- Status as of now: no Ford power units are in use by Red Bull in the 2025 season; the current engines remain Honda RBPT-based.
The Ford plan represents a future alignment rather than an active change today, meaning Red Bull’s engines remain Honda-based for the current seasons while 2026 developments proceed.
Broader context and implications
The prospective Ford-RBPT collaboration could reshape supplier dynamics in F1, potentially affecting performance, cost, and technology sharing. As 2026 approaches, fans and teams will be watching for official confirmations and technical details.
Summary
Red Bull F1 currently uses Honda-derived RBPT power units, with Ford’s involvement planned for 2026 but not yet in effect. The situation could change in the coming years as development and regulatory milestones are met.
