Why Ford is contributing more to Red Bull’s F1 engines than initially planned
by Ronald Vording · AutosportFord says it is contributing more to Red Bull’s new Formula 1 engines than originally discussed, which is linked to the Blue Oval’s changing road car strategy
Later this month, both Red Bull teams will get the first taste of the all-new in-house power unit and although the first winter test in Barcelona will take place behind closed doors, it’s still an important benchmark for both Ford and Red Bull.
Ford Performance director Mark Rushbrook said the test will make clear whether all of the work carried out over the past three years has paid off in producing a competitive power unit.
Over the course of those years, Ford has contributed more behind the scenes than was initially planned.
During the first discussions – which on Red Bull’s side were still led by Christian Horner – the intention was for Ford to contribute to the electrical components, in addition to financial support for the project. It has since been expanded to 3D printing and, later on, more elements were added, according to Rushbrook.
“The original list was focused on the electrification part of it: the battery cell, the motor, the inverter, the software, and the calibration board. That was primarily the list, and that has certainly been delivered,” Rushbrook explained in an exclusive interview with Autosport.
“But what we didn't expect, and what wasn't a priority for us initially, was the combustion engine. That changed during the programme, especially as our road car cycle plan has changed.”
In line with the broader strategy at Ford, slightly different emphases were placed on the F1 project with Red Bull Powertrains.
“On our road car cycle plans, we will continue to have ICE, full hybrid, and full electric. So, it became increasingly important for us to be part of the combustion engine development as well.”
Ford hopes to apply the knowledge of F1’s combustion engine to road cars, something that was not on the radar during initial discussions with Red Bull.
“As we were working on the electric part of it, and we saw what was going on with the combustion engine, we saw an opportunity to participate and contribute. A lot of the actual parts that are being made in Dearborn [Michigan, USA] now are on the combustion engine side of the power unit. Those parts are being made daily and shipped daily.”
According to Rushbrook, Ford’s increased involvement in the combustion engine does not mean that Red Bull Powertrains was falling short or unable to do certain things on its own.
“It wasn't necessarily that things were lacking, but as you have the technical minds together, and they're working on certain things, they overhear or get asked questions. What would Ford do in this situation? And that's where we were able to say, we can actually help, and we have been able to contribute to that part.”
What does F1 actually bring Ford?
Rushbrook believes the project as a whole benefited from this approach, but it has also increased the relevance of F1 for Ford.
“On the electrification side, for example the battery cell chemistry, we were able to contribute, but we were also learning a lot. The software and the calibration, that is where I think we've made the biggest contribution from the experience that we had,” he said.
“But when I talk about the combustion engine, there's the design of it, the actual manufacturing of the components, the physical parts, additive manufacturing, and so on.
“It has really pushed us to a much higher level than where we've been during earlier programs. In terms of the people, the quality control, the dimensional control, it has really pushed us to another level.”
The fact that Ford continues to produce cars that run purely on combustion engines is linked to the long-term relevance of F1.
In 2025, discussions about the engine formula beyond the current cycle started. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem initially pushed for a V10, although that idea was later scaled back to a V8 with an electric component.
If Ford continues to build combustion engines, is that enough for the Blue Oval, or are there still specific wishes for a longer stay in F1 beyond 2030?
“We have our line-up for the future. We know that we will have combustion engines, hybrid and full electric for the foreseeable future, especially as the global regulations are now more regional. That means we need to suit our cycle plan to those needs, and we mainly want to race to support that innovation and technical transfer.”
Because Ford now works with a broad spectrum of power units for its road cars, it remains open-minded about F1’s future.
“The fact that we're going to have different balances of combustion engines, multiple variants of hybrids and full electric, we are comfortable sitting at the table. As long as we have something that is reasonably relevant to us, we'll be happy,” Rushbrook added.
“We know that in every series we compete in there needs to be give and take. And I think we've got a lot of latitude for that give and take. The stuff that is being talked about now is going to be acceptable for us.”
When explicitly asked whether that also applies to a V8 with at least some level of electrification, Rushbrook concludes: “Yes.”
It makes a longer partnership with Red Bull beyond just the upcoming cycle a realistic prospect, with Ford having previously indicated that the investments are ideally aimed at the longer term.
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- The Autosport.com Team