As Formula 1 hurtles toward its next major power unit overhaul in 2026, Ford and Red Bull Powertrains are hard at work developing the engine that will propel the reigning champions into a new hybrid era.
Last week, Mark Rushbrook, global director at Ford Performance, provided a detailed update on the status of the collaboration – and explained why the partnership is exceeding expectations on multiple fronts.
Red Bull Powertrains (RBPT), originally launched to support the team’s transition following Honda’s planned exit from F1, is now going full steam ahead as an OEM.
While Honda will pursue its journey with Aston Martin from 2026, Red Bull and Ford continue to steadily grow their relationship.
A Partnership Growing Stronger by the Day
"The partnership is actually getting stronger every day, from the first discussions and the moment the contract was signed, although the work had already started before that," commented Rushbrook, speaking to Motorsport.com’s Dutch affiliate.
Initially, Ford’s role centered on providing electronics expertise for the hybrid element of the power unit. But as the collaboration matured, the scope has expanded significantly and now includes an involvement in the development of the internal combustion engine (ICE) itself.
"We are contributing in a number of ways. In general, we are on track with our timeline for the ICE [internal combustion engine] and the electrical components," Rushbrook confirmed.
"There is obviously still a lot of work to do and a lot to prove in terms of durability, but the partnership - the openness, the trust and the contribution from both sides - has been excellent so far.
“It's everything we hoped for and actually more than we expected."
Read also: Cadillac F1 aims to exceed expectations, says TowrissThis synergy is fueled by Ford’s cutting-edge facilities.
“Initially the focus was on electrification,” Rushbrook explained. “But with our advanced manufacturing facility and our [3D] printing machines, we can make things in real time.
“We are literally making things every day that come out of Dearborn, are shipped and are tested in the lab in Milton Keynes.”
This rapid prototyping, with parts zipping across the Atlantic, underscores the partnership’s agility. From battery technology to turbo components, Ford’s resources are helping Red Bull push the limits of what’s possible.
Balancing Power and Reliability
While the power unit is hitting its early performance targets, Rushbrook is candid about the realities of development.
“Yes, although of course there are always exceptions because you can never achieve everything 100 percent,” he replied when asked if everything is on track.
“But when it comes to achieving the power numbers, then absolutely. Then it’s about the reliability tests to match that. Do you achieve everything perfectly? No, but that’s the reality of any programme.
“It just happens as you go along and then it’s about how you respond, in terms of urgency and in terms of the mindset of the people. So we respond to what we see.”
The Ford executive’s pragmatism reflects the iterative dance of F1 engineering.
“When the engine develops and finds more power, then of course it’s always about testing reliability. So it’s: power, reliability, power, reliability.”
With just nine months until the 2026 season gets underway, the Ford-Red Bull Powertrains partnership is a high-wire act of ambition and precision.
Rushbrook’s insight reveal a team that’s not just meeting milestones but embracing the grind of innovation.
As Red Bull prepares to unveil its first in-house power unit, badged as Red Bull Ford Powertrains, the collaboration stands as a testament to trust and tenacity.
In the race to 2026, Rushbrook and his team are proving that while perfection may be elusive, progress is unstoppable.
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