Who manufactures engines for F1?
The current engine manufacturers in Formula 1 are Mercedes, Ferrari, Renault (Alpine), and Red Bull Powertrains with Honda-derived technology.
Formula 1 power units are highly engineered hybrids that combine an internal combustion engine with energy-recovery systems. Since the V6 turbo era began in 2014, the FIA has tightly regulated the power unit design, performance, and homologation. Today, three factory brands—Mercedes, Ferrari, and Renault (Alpine)—design and build their units, while Red Bull Powertrains uses Honda-derived technology under a collaborative arrangement to power its own teams. The result is a sport where a small set of manufacturers drive the performance envelope and ongoing development across the grid.
What is a Formula 1 power unit?
The power unit is a holistic hybrid system that blends an internal combustion engine with energy-recovery components and battery storage. It comprises the ICE, turbocharger, energy-recovery systems (MGU-K and MGU-H), and the battery, all controlled by sophisticated software and calibration practices to maximize power, efficiency, and reliability within FIA regulations.
Core components
Key elements include the internal combustion engine, turbocharging, energy-recovery units, and battery storage, supported by advanced control software. Each manufacturer develops the hardware and software to extract maximum performance while meeting reliability and cost controls dictated by the sport's rules.
Current engine manufacturers
Here are the four main engine suppliers in Formula 1 and the teams they power.
- Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains — Supplies power units to the Mercedes works team and several customer outfits, with ongoing development across the grid.
- Scuderia Ferrari — Manufactures power units for its own team and for customer teams such as Alfa Romeo F1 Team and Haas.
- Renault (Alpine) Power Units — Renault’s E-Tech units are branded Alpine for the works team and are used by the Alpine F1 Team, with historical use by other customers.
- Red Bull Powertrains (Honda technology) — Builds engines for Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri, using Honda-derived designs and IP under a collaboration that keeps Honda-based power units on the grid.
Note: Honda’s formal factory withdrawal in 2021 did not end its involvement. Through Red Bull Powertrains, Honda’s technology remains central to the engines powering two of the sport’s top teams, ensuring continuity of development and performance.
Summary
Formula 1’s engine manufacturing landscape is defined by four main suppliers: Mercedes, Ferrari, Renault/Alpine, and Red Bull Powertrains with Honda-derived technology. This setup shapes the performance of every team on the grid and underlines the ongoing collaboration between manufacturers, teams, and the FIA to push the boundaries of hybrid racing technology.
