Having played a major role in Formula 1 in the Cosworth engine era, Ford will return to the sport once again when the engine regulations undergo a major change in 2026.
The car manufacturing giants will join forces with Red Bull Powertrains, who will officially be powering Red Bull upon the expiration of the team’s deal with Honda.
The deal was announced during Red Bull’s season launch last week in New York, where the RB-19 was also shown off to the fans for the very first time.
Red Bull completed a historic double in 2022, with both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships returning to Milton Keynes after a stellar season of performances by Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.
READ: Pictures: Alfa Romeo reveal ‘stunning’ livery after accidentally leaking it
Despite being the team to beat heading into 2023, Red Bull’s team principal Christian Horner has denied that his team are arrogant, explaining that they have partnered with Ford to increase their understanding and learn how to become even better.
“We’ve recruited an incredibly talented group of engineers, designers and technicians within Red Bull Powertrains,” he said at the season launch.
“Of course, we’re not arrogant enough to think we know everything.
“Ford, the size of the company that it is and the research and development it’s making, particularly in the EV sector, of course there’s knowledge and know-how we will be able to hopefully draw upon. I think that’s one of the exciting things, strategically, about this partnership.
READ: Mercedes to return to the top with Lewis Hamilton in 2023
“It was a very swift conclusion in terms of the like-minded approach Ford had and where we were. They didn’t want to interfere in our business, but to be there to complement and support. You could see there was a desire on both sides.”
With every team returning to square one in 2026 when the engine regulations change, Red Bull will be hoping that having Ford helping with the production of their power unit will give them a head start over the other teams.
With Red Bull Powertrains technically being a new entrant to the sport, they will be able to use the extra benefits that come with this status, such as an extra boost in their allocated testing time.