Ford and Red Bull teaming up to pioneer the future of Formula One racing.
Red Bull Racing has embarked on an ambitious journey, announcing the start of its own Formula One engine manufacturing division - Red Bull Powertrains. This decision comes following Honda's decision to withdraw from F1 power unit development, leaving Red Bull with no choice but to take full control of engine manufacturing to remain competitive from 2026 onwards [1][2].
Key factors driving this move include Honda's withdrawal and refusal to continue supporting Red Bull's engine program after 2025, new power unit regulations for 2026, a strategic desire for integrated development, and long-term competitiveness goals [1][2][3][4].
The new regulations introduce a new power unit formula, requiring all teams to develop engines under these new rules. Red Bull decided to build its own engine program rather than rely on external manufacturers who might not be as agile or aligned with their ambitions. By having chassis and engine engineers working "under one roof," Red Bull believes it can improve communication and packaging of the car, which will pay dividends in performance over time [3][4].
Moreover, this strategic long-term investment aims to position Red Bull as a competitive force in the long run, even if it might not match established manufacturers like Mercedes immediately. Red Bull aims to catch up and potentially rival top manufacturers within a few years [3][4].
Building a power unit “empire” from scratch is a bold and risky move without a legacy of engine manufacturing, but one Red Bull is committed to for future success [1].
Meanwhile, Max Verstappen, a racer for Oracle Red Bull Racing, is preparing for the upcoming races, including the Belgium GP, through virtual reality simulations. In the third episode of the Red Bull Racing Road Trips series, which lasts 7 minutes, Verstappen experiences a simulation to prepare for the race [5].
Red Bull's partnership with Ford, through Red Bull Powertrains, also aims to push motorsport forward. Chloe Chambers is part of the Red Bull Ford Academy Programme [6]. The new Formula One engines being developed are complex and are intended to advance the sport [7].
For those interested in Max Verstappen's past performances, there is a list of his best Formula One races available [8]. The 2025 Formula One season will be run under new rules, marking a new chapter in the sport's history. With Red Bull's commitment to manufacturing its own engines, the future of Formula One looks promising.
[1] https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.red-bull-powertrains-announced-as-formula-1-engine-partners.1838997.html [2] https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/red-bull-powertrains-honda-exit-f1-2025-engine-regulations/1243827/ [3] https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/red-bull-powertrains-aims-for-integration-benefits-with-new-formula-1-engine/1944221 [4] https://www.racefans.net/2021/02/25/red-bull-powertrains-says-it-can-catch-up-to-top-f1-teams-within-a-few-years/ [5] https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.red-bull-racing-road-trips-episode-3-max-verstappen-s-virtual-reality-race-preparation.1837301.html [6] https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/racing/academy [7] https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/new-formula-1-engines-complex-and-expensive-but-will-advance-the-sport/1243829/ [8] https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.max-verstappens-best-formula-1-races.1826624.html
- In an effort to maintain competitiveness post-2025, Red Bull Racing established Red Bull Powertrains for Formula One engine manufacturing, emulating their ambition for innovation and performance.
- By working on the chassis and engine under the same roof, Red Bull anticipates improved communication, packaging, and thus performance advantages, aspiring to catch up to and potentially rival top manufacturers over time.
