Who is Ford partnering with in F1?
Ford is partnering with Red Bull Powertrains to supply F1 power units starting in 2026. The deal marks Ford’s return to Formula 1 as an engine supplier and aligns with the sport’s shift to a new generation of power units. This article explains who Ford is teaming up with, what the arrangement entails, and what it means for the sport and Ford’s broader strategy.
Ford’s F1 comeback: the partnering entity
Ford’s F1 collaboration is with Red Bull Powertrains (RBPT), the outfit responsible for developing and supplying the F1 power units used by Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri. The arrangement positions Ford as the official power unit supplier to RBPT for the 2026 regulation cycle and beyond.
Key elements of the partnership include:
- Official power unit supplier to Red Bull Powertrains for the 2026 season and subsequent years.
- Multi-year framework covering the development, production, and supply of the next-generation power unit.
- Engines intended for use by Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri under RBPT’s program.
- Ford contributing engineering resources, technical expertise, and investment to RBPT’s power unit program.
- Collaboration designed to align with Ford’s broader electrified performance strategy and brand presence in top-tier motorsport.
The partnership represents Ford’s strategic re-entry to Formula 1 as a power unit supplier, leveraging RBPT’s established engine platform while giving Ford a formal role in shaping the next generation of F1 technology.
Context and implications
Ford’s involvement in Formula 1 has a long, storied history, including past efforts with Cosworth and Jaguar. The current deal builds on that legacy by entering F1 again not as a factory team, but as a power unit provider integrated with Red Bull’s engine operation. The agreement was publicly positioned in the context of the sport’s 2026 technical reset, which emphasizes closer collaboration between manufacturers and engineering partners.
What this means for teams and fans is a potential boost in resources, technology, and branding that could influence competitiveness on track. It also signals Ford’s commitment to high-performance electrified propulsion, aligning with broader automotive trends toward sustainable performance in motorsport.
What fans should watch for
As the program develops, observers will look for updates on where engines will be developed and manufactured, the exact branding and livery approach, and any crossover benefits for Ford’s consumer performance lineup. The collaboration’s success will depend on how effectively Ford and RBPT integrate engineering talent, meet F1’s regulatory requirements, and translate R&D into on-track performance for Red Bull’s squadron of cars.
Background: Ford’s F1 history and the road to 2026
Ford’s direct involvement in Formula 1 has evolved over decades. The brand previously competed in F1 through its Jaguar team in the early 2000s and participated in engine programs via Cosworth in earlier eras. After withdrawing from direct factory involvement in the mid-2000s, Ford has maintained a substantial automotive presence in global motorsport. The 2026 power unit partnership with RBPT marks a deliberate pivot back into the championship as a powertrain supplier, rather than a factory team entrant, signaling a strategic, technology-forward approach to the sport’s next evolution.
Summary
Ford’s partnership with Red Bull Powertrains to supply the next generation of F1 power units from 2026 marks the company’s formal return to Formula 1 as an engine supplier. Working with RBPT, Ford aims to combine its electrified performance expertise with Red Bull’s engine platform to compete in the sport’s new regulatory era. The deal underscores Ford’s broader motorsport strategy and its commitment to high-performance engineering on the world stage.
Who is Ford taking over in F1?
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. Your browser can't play this video.
Is Red Bull F1 switching to Ford?
No, Red Bull is not switching to Ford, but they are entering a new technical partnership with Ford for the 2026 Formula 1 season and beyond. Ford Motor Company will collaborate with Red Bull Powertrains to develop the hybrid power unit for both the Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls teams. The partnership is a technical and commercial one, and the engines will be badged as "Red Bull Ford Powertrains".
You can watch this video to learn more about the new Red Bull and Ford partnership: 57sTHE RACEYouTube · Feb 3, 2023
- Technical collaboration: Ford will provide expertise in areas like battery cells, electric motors, and power unit control software.
- Power unit development: The partnership aims to develop a next-generation hybrid power unit that will be used from the 2026 season.
- Partnership duration: The agreement is set to last until at least 2030.
- Existing deal: This new partnership follows Red Bull's previous collaboration with Honda, which concludes after the 2025 season.
This video explains the importance of the new partnership for the future of the sport: 58sSlipstreamYouTube · May 14, 2025
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But in 2023, Red Bull Powertrains formed an exciting new partnership with Ford to develop the next generation of power unit to drive Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls to the front of the pack.
