Skip advert
Advertisement

Ford and Red Bull to partner for 2026 F1 season

Ford will be the engine supplier for Red Bull from 2026, ending a 22-year hiatus from Formula One

Ford-Red Bull F1 partnership

2026 will see one of the most decorated brands in F1 return to the sport as Ford has announced it will supply engines to the Red Bull team. 

With 10 Constructors’ championships and 13 Drivers’ championships, Ford is the third most successful engine manufacturer in Formula One history. It will team up with Red Bull - which has won five Constructors’ championships and six Drivers’ championships since its first season in 2005. Red Bull’s sister team Scuderia AlphaTauri will also utilise Ford power units and the deal between Ford and Red Bull will run from 2026 until “at least 2030”. 

The regulation changes that will be implemented from 2026 are designed to make F1 more sustainable. The two firms will begin work from this year on a new power unit to adhere to the new technical regulations. These include the need for a 350kWh electric motor combined with a combustion engine to run on fully sustainable fuels. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

In a statement, Ford said “FIA and F1 have a commitment to sustainability with increased use of electric power as well as sustainable fuels – one of the key reasons for Ford to return to Formula 1”. This change is also said to be a key motivation for Audi, which also plans to join F1 in 2026 in a recently announced joint venture with the Sauber Group

Christian Horner, Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal and CEO also spoke on the announcement: “It’s fantastic to be welcoming Ford back into Formula 1 through this partnership. The ability to benefit from an OEM’s experience like Ford puts us in good stead against the competition. They are rich in motoring history that spans generations. From Jim Clark to Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher, the lineage speaks for itself.” 

Do you think Red Bull and Ford will prove to be a successful partnership in F1? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Senior news reporter

A keen petrol-head, Alastair Crooks has a degree in journalism and worked as a car salesman for a variety of manufacturers before joining Auto Express in Spring 2019 as a Content Editor. Now, as our senior news reporter, his daily duties involve tracking down the latest news and writing reviews.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best new cars coming in 2024
Best new cars coming in 2024 - header image

Best new cars coming in 2024

There are some big new models from the likes of BMW, Citroen, Dacia, Ford, MINI, Skoda and more on the way in 2024
Best cars & vans
23 Jul 2024
Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024: new cars and highlights
Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024 - MG sculpture

Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024: new cars and highlights

2024’s Goodwood Festival of Speed was a celebration of over 130 years of engine tech, but it also looked well into the future
News
17 Jul 2024
New electric cars coming soon: the fresh EVs of 2024 and beyond
Future electric cars - header image

New electric cars coming soon: the fresh EVs of 2024 and beyond

The EV explosion has brought a huge range of choice to the market already but it’s only going to get bigger in the coming months
Best cars & vans
4 Jul 2024
Ford Escort and RS200 return to production at Boreham Motorworks
DRVN Ford Escort and Ford RS200

Ford Escort and RS200 return to production at Boreham Motorworks

Classic Fords to be remastered with the brand’s blessing as brand-new cars, starting with the RS200 and Mk1 Escort
News
24 Jun 2024

Most Popular

Ford Capri review
Ford Capri - front

Ford Capri review

This is no sports car, nor even a retro reboot – rather a capable, refined and well-built EV that happens to sport a controversial name
In-depth reviews
29 Oct 2024
Car deal of the day: Skoda Octavia vRS Estate is all the car you’ll ever need for only £287 a month
New Skoda Octavia vRS estate - front cornering

Car deal of the day: Skoda Octavia vRS Estate is all the car you’ll ever need for only £287 a month

A fun to drive family favourite offers immense value for money at under £300 per month in today’s deal of the day
News
29 Oct 2024
New Dacia Duster 2024 Hybrid review: electrical assistance suits superb small SUV
Dacia Duster Hybrid - front

New Dacia Duster 2024 Hybrid review: electrical assistance suits superb small SUV

The first ever Dacia Duster Hybrid is a hit from behind the wheel, but better options exist in the small SUV’s range
Road tests
30 Oct 2024