Bottom line: Ford is back on the Formula 1 grid this year, teaming with Red Bull Racing to supply a new hybrid power unit and bring the Blue Oval home after a 22‑year hiatus.
Ford Back Where It Belongs: F1 Return with Red Bull – Full Details
Image: Ford Back Where It Belongs: F1 Return with Red Bull – Full Details – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Design & Looks
Ford unveiled the liveries for the 2026 Red Bull and Racing Bulls cars at the Detroit season launch. The striking blue‑white‑red scheme highlights the historic Ford badge while giving the cars a modern, aggressive edge. Although the actual chassis are still hidden, the new regulations mean the cars will look leaner, with larger side pods to house the bigger hybrid system.
Performance & Hybrid Power
Red Bull’s Powertrains division, now bolstered by Ford engineers, is building a 1.6‑litre turbocharged engine paired with a 470 bhp hybrid system – roughly three times the electric output of the previous generation. This means about half of the lap power will come from the battery, a massive shift that will test both teams’ engineering chops.
Ford’s contribution isn’t just a logo on the side. Twelve specific components, from high‑voltage hardware to NVH (noise‑vibration‑harshness) solutions, are being supplied by Ford’s road‑car experts. The partnership blends Red Bull’s rapid, innovative culture with Ford’s massive scale and process discipline.
| Engine | 1.6 L turbo V6 + 470 bhp hybrid |
|---|---|
| Mileage | Not applicable – F1 focuses on lap time, not fuel economy |
| Price | Confidential – partnership investment runs into hundreds of millions |
| Top Features | • Larger hybrid system • Ford‑engineered high‑voltage components • Advanced NVH control • Integrated road‑car technology research |
Why It Matters & What It Means for Rivals
Ford’s F1 history includes 176 race wins, 13 drivers’ titles and 10 constructors’ crowns. The brand left the sport after selling Jaguar Racing to Red Bull in 2004. Returning now aligns with Ford’s strategy to use racing tech in everyday vehicles – the same high‑voltage and battery software will feed into future trucks and cars.
For rivals, the Ford‑Red Bull combo raises the bar. Teams that rely solely on external suppliers now face a partner that can tap into a global manufacturing network and push rapid innovation. It also signals that legacy manufacturers can still compete at the pinnacle of motorsport when they combine resources wisely.
FAQ
- What is the hybrid power output of the new Ford‑Red Bull engine? The hybrid system adds about 470 bhp, making roughly half of the total lap power electric.
- When will the new cars debut? Both Red Bull and Racing Bulls will run the 2026 spec in pre‑season testing later this month, with the season opener in Melbourne on March 8.
- Is Ford’s F1 involvement just for trophies? No. Ford says the technology developed for the power unit will directly inform its future road‑car and truck electrification programs.
What do you think about Ford’s comeback? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Read Official News
