Bottom Line Up Front
U.S. Customs seized a turbocharger that Red Bull shipped in a briefcase to Ford’s Michigan test facility, forcing the planned F1 engine trial to be postponed.
Red Bull‑Ford F1 Turbo Test Stopped by U.S. Customs – What Happened?
Image: Red Bull‑Ford F1 Turbo Test Stopped by U.S. Customs – What Happened? – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Design & Looks
Red Bull’s new power unit is a compact 1.6‑liter V6 turbocharged engine built in partnership with Ford. The engineers packed the turbocharger—about the size of a coffee mug—into a padded briefcase to avoid drawing attention. The briefcase was meant to look like ordinary luggage, a clever nod to the secretive nature of F1 development.
Performance & Mileage
The turbo is the heart of the hybrid power unit. It spins up to 150,000 rpm, feeding air to the combustion chamber for maximum power. Because it’s a race engine, mileage figures aren’t relevant; the focus is on peak output and reliability on the track. In testing, the unit is expected to deliver over 900 hp when combined with the ERS (Energy Recovery System).
Price & Rivals
Exact cost details are confidential, but a modern F1 power unit runs into the tens of millions of dollars per season, covering research, parts, and staffing. The biggest rival in this arena is Mercedes‑AMG, whose own turbo‑hybrid has dominated recent championships. Red Bull’s move to work with Ford is meant to close that gap.
Quick Specs
| Engine | Mileage | Price | Top Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Bull‑Ford 1.6 L V6 Turbo | N/A (track‑only) | Confidential (≈ $20M/season) |
|
FAQ
- What did U.S. Customs seize? A turbocharger for the Red Bull‑Ford F1 power unit, packed inside a briefcase.
- Why was the turbo being hand‑delivered? To keep the shipment low‑key and avoid the paperwork that comes with standard freight.
- Will the test resume? Ford says they will resend the part through proper channels, so testing should continue once clearance is granted.
What do you think about the lengths teams go to protect their tech? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Read Official News
