Red Bull’s relationship with Ford is seemingly well underway, despite Honda still being the Austrians’ engine partner until the end of 2025.
Ford Performance recently filmed a YouTube video with Sergio Perez, who took part in a head-to-head time trial against pro Ford stunt driver Paul Swift.
The video was filmed at the Millbrook Proving Ground and saw Perez go drive a Mustang Mach-E on a wet track.
Had it not been for two separate five-second time penalties for hitting multiple cones, then Perez would’ve beaten Swift’s time by four seconds; however, due to the multiple cone collisions he was beaten.
Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies
Before the two drivers competed in the time trial, Perez was ‘kidnapped’ in a London taxi by Swift, who was wearing a fake moustache.
Swift went onto drive the taxi incredibly fast down a dirt track, before completing several donuts, throwing Checo around.
The video was clearly a sign of what’s to come from the Red Bull-Ford relationship, as the duo look ahead to the new engine regulations in 2026.
Whilst the Milton Keynes-based team will be building their own power units, Ford will be offering technical assistance.
That’s still a few years away though, with Red Bull’s immediate focus being on this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix.
Red Bull can clinch a second consecutive Constructors’ Championship this weekend at the Marina Bay Circuit if they claim another 1-2 finish, and if Mercedes endure a horrific weekend.
It’s more likely that it’ll be sealed next weekend at the Japanese Grand Prix, the home of Honda.
A good weekend is certainly on the cards in Singapore, given that Perez won the race last season.
READ: Haas to introduce Red Bull-inspired ‘B’ car
Perez has often done well at the most physically and mentally demanding race on the calendar, which pushes the drivers and the cars to their absolute limits.
The high heat and horrific humidity make it a challenging affair, which tends to result in the drivers losing a significant amount of body weight.
Perez will be hoping for another strong Singapore weekend where he could take the fight to Max Verstappen, who’s won the last 10 races.