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What is the Ford F1 engine for 2026?

There is no official Ford F1 engine announced for 2026. The term is ambiguous and may refer to Formula 1 power units or speculative reporting about Ford's involvement in the sport, but Ford has not disclosed a concrete F1 power unit or plan for 2026.

This article examines what is publicly known, what is being speculated, and what would be involved for Ford to participate in Formula 1 in 2026, including how the sport’s 2026 power-unit rules are shaping talk around a potential Ford entry.

Context: Ford and Formula 1

Ford historically did not compete as a factory constructor in Formula 1 after its last active stint in the 2000s, though its branding and engineering influence remain part of motorsport lore. In recent years Ford has focused its racing footprint on other series and on road-car performance technologies. As of today, there is no official statement from Ford about a 2026 F1 power unit or engine program.

Regulatory backdrop for 2026 power units

The FIA and Formula 1 have discussed changes to the power-unit formula for the 2026 season with aims to reduce costs, simplify hardware, and expand the use of sustainable fuels. The exact specifications and any Ford involvement would hinge on negotiations with engine suppliers, teams, and regulators. There is no confirmed Ford engine or partner announced for 2026 at this time.

What follows is a snapshot of the kinds of changes and questions that would shape any potential entry: regulatory aims, cost considerations, and the practicality of bringing a new manufacturer into the sport.

Cost reduction and simplification of power-unit hardware to lower development barriers.

Continued use of a turbocharged internal-combustion engine paired with hybrid energy recovery.

A greater emphasis on sustainable fuels or synthetic options in the energy mix.

Rules alignment with existing suppliers and teams to ensure a viable path for new entrants.

These points describe the regulatory backdrop rather than a specific Ford plan; any actual entry would require formal announcements and partner agreements.

Ford’s potential paths to a 2026 F1 entry

If Ford were to pursue a 2026 F1 project, several plausible approaches exist given the sport’s ecosystem and prior partnerships. The specifics would depend on negotiations with teams, regulators, and technology partners.

A factory-backed power unit developed in collaboration with an established engine supplier or a new joint venture, potentially branded as a Ford power unit.

A customer-engine arrangement supplying a single or multiple teams, leveraging Ford technology while meeting cost and performance constraints.

Technology transfer from Ford’s road-car electrification and hybrid programs to create a scalable power unit aligned with 2026 goals.

Any of these routes would require substantial investment, regulatory approval, and a multi-year commitment from Ford and its partners.

What to watch next

Key indicators would include official Ford statements, partnerships with F1 teams or engine suppliers, and FIA announcements detailing the final 2026 power-unit regulations. Motorsport journalists will monitor supplier conferences, investor calls, and regulatory updates for clarity on Ford’s status.

Summary

As of today, there is no confirmed Ford F1 engine for 2026. The question remains a topic of industry speculation tied to broader discussions about Formula 1’s 2026 power-unit rules and potential re-entry by the brand. Readers should watch for formal announcements from Ford, the FIA, and F1 teams to know if a Ford “F1 engine” becomes reality and what form any involvement would take.

Why is Red Bull switching to Ford engines?

Red Bull is partnering with Ford for the 2026 F1 season to gain a technical edge in developing the new power units, benefiting from Ford's expertise in areas like battery technology, electric motors, and software. This strategic partnership allows Red Bull Powertrains to access the resources and experience of a major manufacturer, which is crucial for competing with established engine suppliers, while still maintaining control of its chassis development.

Technical expertise: Ford brings extensive experience in developing both combustion engines and hybrid systems, which is vital for the new 2026 regulations that emphasize electrification and sustainable fuels.
Access to resources: The partnership provides Red Bull with access to Ford's technical resources, including their engineering knowledge in battery cell technology, electric motor development, and power unit control software.
Strategic advantage: By partnering with Ford, Red Bull avoids the technical limitations of being an independent manufacturer and can better compete with the experience and resources of rival teams like Mercedes and Ferrari.
Dual benefit: The collaboration is a strategic partnership, not just a branding exercise, which gives Red Bull access to a range of R&D, while Ford gets a cost-effective platform to innovate and engage with a new customer base.
Market penetration: The partnership also helps Ford gain more penetration in the U.S. market, where the Red Bull F1 team is very popular.

What engines will Red Bull use in 2026?

In 2026, Red Bull will use its own engines, developed in partnership with Ford, which will power both the Oracle Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri (now Racing Bulls) teams. These new "Red Bull Ford" power units are designed from scratch to meet the new regulations, which include a 50/50 split between the internal combustion engine and electric power, the use of sustainable fuels, and the removal of the MGU-H.

This video explains the new 2026 F1 engine regulations: 1mFormula AddictYouTube · Aug 23, 2025

In-house development: Red Bull Powertrains is building the engines from the ground up for the first time, instead of using a supplier.
Ford partnership: Ford is the strategic technical partner for the new engine project, with the power units to be branded as "Red Bull Ford".
2026 regulations: The new engines must comply with the 2026 F1 rules, which mandate a 50/50 hybrid split (internal combustion and electric), sustainable fuels, and the removal of the MGU-H.
Teams involved: Both Red Bull Racing and its sister team, Racing Bulls, will use the new power units.

What type of engine will F1 use in 2026?

The 2026 F1 engines will feature a 50/50 power split between a combustion engine and an electrical system, with increased electrical power from the MGU-K and a new reliance on 100% sustainable fuels. The MGU-H will be removed, and the MGU-K's electrical power output will almost triple from 120 kW to 350 kW, while the internal combustion engine's power will drop from around 550 kW to 400 kW. This change will lead to new driving strategies focused on energy recovery and a different, louder engine sound profile.

This video explains the changes to the F1 2026 power unit, including the 50/50 split between combustion and electrical power: 1mFormula AddictYouTube · Aug 23, 2025
Key changes in 2026 F1 engines

50/50 power split: The new power unit will have an equal contribution from the internal combustion engine and the electrical system.
Increased electrical power: The MGU-K will have its electrical power output boosted to 350 kW, nearly triple its current output.
Decreased engine power: The internal combustion engine will have its power reduced to approximately 400 kW.
Removal of MGU-H: The MGU-H, which recovers energy from the turbocharger's heat, will be removed from the engine.
Sustainable fuels: The new engines will run on 100% sustainable fuels.

Impact on driving and strategy

New energy recovery methods: With the MGU-H gone, teams will rely on the MGU-K to recover energy, primarily through braking.
Altered sound: The engines will have a new and potentially louder sound profile, especially during braking and cornering, as the engine will be forced to run at higher revs to generate electrical power.
Strategic changes: Drivers will need to be more strategic with energy deployment and recovery. To assist with overtaking, the DRS will be replaced with a manual override system that provides a temporary electrical power boost.

You can watch this video to see how the new rules for 2026 cars will affect downforce and aerodynamics: 1mDriver61YouTube · Nov 5, 2025
Manufacturer involvement

Returning manufacturers: Honda is returning to the sport, supplying power units to Aston Martin.
New entrants: Audi and Ford are also entering the sport.
Established suppliers: Ferrari, Mercedes, and Renault will continue as suppliers.

Is Ford making F1 engines in 2026?

Red Bull Ford will provide the power units for both the Oracle Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri teams from 2026 to at least 2030.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.