Ford and Red Bull Powertrains Partner to Develop Next-Gen Hybrid Power Unit for F1 Racing

Ford is set to return to Formula 1 after more than two decades, with the automaker partnering with Red Bull Powertrains on the development of a next-gen hybrid power unit. The new power unit will supply engines to both Oracle Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri teams from the 2026 season to at least 2030.

Ford will offer its expertise in the development of the power unit, which will include a 350 kW electric motor and a new combustion engine able to accept fully sustainable fuels. Areas of focus will include battery cell and electric motor technology, power unit control software, and analytics.

"This is the start of a thrilling new chapter in Ford’s motorsports story," said Bill Ford, executive chair. "Ford, alongside world champions, Oracle Red Bull Racing, is returning to the pinnacle of the sport, bringing Ford’s long tradition of innovation, sustainability and electrification to one of the world’s most visible stages.”

Ford is investing $50 billion to lead the EV revolution globally, with a target of delivering 2 million EVs annually by 2026 as part of its Ford+ plan. The automaker is already the number 2 EV company in the US and the market leader in many markets around the world.

In 2026, Ford will be the only manufacturer competing in racing disciplines from grassroots motorsports to Formula 1, including WEC, IMSA, WRC, Dakar, NASCAR, NHRA and Supercars.

"We are entering an exciting new age for Ford Performance," said Jim Farley, President and CEO of Ford Motor Company. "We will be competing to win in F1 with Red Bull Racing, and you will see the world’s most popular sports coupe, the Mustang, race from the grass roots to Australian Supercars to NASCAR to Le Mans. All the while, we’ll continue to excite the world with cool demonstrators like SuperVan 4 and Mustang Mach-E 1400."

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