DISCLOSED: WHY FORD EXPANDED THEIR F1 ROLE TO INCLUDE FULL COMBUSTION ENGINE DESIGN
Red Bull and Ford begin secret 2026 engine testing in Barcelona. Learn why Ford is now focusing on combustion engine development.
Later this month, the Red Bull teams will try out their brand-new, in-house engine for the first time. Even though the Barcelona winter test won't be open to the public, it's still a key test for Ford and Red Bull.
Ford Performance director Mark Rushbrook said the test will show if the last three years of work were worth it in making a top-notch engine.
Ford's New Plan: More Focus on Gas Engines
Over the years, Ford's role behind the scenes has grown bigger than first planned.
In early talks, led by Christian Horner for Red Bull, Ford was going to help with the electric parts and give money to the project. Since then, it's grown to include 3D printing and more, according to Rushbrook.
The initial plan was on the electric side: the battery, motor, inverter, software, and calibration. "We've done that," Rushbrook told Motorsport.com.
But what we didn't expect, and wasn't our main focus, was the gas engine. That changed as our car plans changed.
With Ford Motor Company's bigger plan, the F1 project with Red Bull Powertrains changed a bit.
Our car plans will still have gas engines, hybrids, and fully electric cars. So, it got more important for us to help with the gas engine too.
Ford wants to use what they learn from F1's gas engines in their road cars, which wasn't the plan at first with Red Bull.
As we worked on the electric side and saw the gas engine work, we saw a chance to get involved. A lot of parts made in Dearborn, Michigan, USA, are now for the gas engine. These parts are made and shipped every day.
Rushbrook said that Ford's bigger role in the gas engine doesn't mean Red Bull Powertrains wasn't good enough on its own.
It's not that they were lacking, but when smart people work together, they share ideas. They ask, 'What would Ford do?' That's where we could help.
What Does F1 Offer Ford?
Rushbrook thinks the project has gotten better with this approach, and it's made F1 more important for Ford.
On the electric side, like the battery chemistry, we helped and learned a lot. The software and calibration are where we've helped the most from our past work.
But for the gas engine, there's the design, making the parts, 3D printing, and more. It's pushed us to a new level. The people, the quality control—it's all better.
Will Ford Stay in F1 Longer?
Ford's ongoing production of gas-powered cars is tied to F1's future value.
Talks about the engine rules after the current cycle started in 2025. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem first wanted a V10 but then changed it to a V8 with electric help.
If Ford keeps making gas engines, is that enough, or do they want to stay in F1 past 2030?
We know our plans. We'll have gas engines, hybrids, and fully electric cars for a while, especially since global rules are now more local. We want to race to help our innovation and tech.
Because Ford now works with all kinds of engines for their cars, they're open to F1's future.
We're okay with different balances of gas engines, hybrids, and full electric. As long as it's useful to us, we're happy. Rushbrook added.
We know there's give and take in racing. We have a lot of room for that. What's being talked about now is okay with us.
When asked if that includes a V8 with some electric power, Rushbrook said, Yes.
This makes a longer partnership with Red Bull after the current cycle a real idea, as Ford has said the investments are for the long haul.
SERGIO PEREZ BREAKS SILENCE ON CADILLAC’S FIRST FOUR RACES OF 2026 F1 SEASON
Discover why Sergio Perez is confident in Cadillac’s 2026 path despite urgent needs for better pace and reliability fixes.
Sergio Perez didn’t waste time sharing his thoughts on Cadillac after the first four races of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Cadillac shows up in 2026 as F1’s newest team, but honestly, not a lot of people expected fireworks right away. With veterans like Valtteri Bottas and Perez behind the wheel, the team’s start has been a mix, some moments full of promise, others derailed by reliability issues.
Still, Cadillac isn’t just stuck at the back. Lately, they’ve been right there fighting with Aston Martin and even managed to split them in Miami, which turned a few heads.
Perez knows the team is at risk of falling behind in this crazy-fast development race, though. “We still have work to do, but I’m confident we’re on the right path,” he told reporters, including Motorsport Week.
He added, “Sometimes, once tyre degradation sets in, we can hang with the midfield, but they always seem to find another gear. There’s a long way to go this season, but we’re in a rush to find more pace. We know Aston will get stronger, and we don’t want to be left behind.”
Racing Aston Martin has actually brought Perez some enjoyment. He especially likes battling Fernando Alonso, calling those fights fair and satisfying. Still, he pointed out a weak spot: “We’re having fun with them. Racing Fernando is always great because he’s so fair. But we struggled with tyre degradation; we burnt through them too quickly. We picked the hard compound, but honestly, looking back, I should’ve gone with the soft.”
He said there’s plenty to analyse, and really, the key is getting a better grip on their car as they look ahead to Canada. “We don’t have much time, but in the short term, we need to fix the degradation. We have some ideas, but putting them together is our biggest challenge in the next few weeks.”
Cadillac may be the new kid on the block and still finding its feet, but it’s already starting to make an impact. The road out of the lower ranks won’t be easy, but they’re moving in the right direction.
HOW KIMI ANTONELLI’S THREE-RACE WIN STREAK IS REDEFINING THE MERCEDES TEAM HIERARCHY
With a 43-second gap in Miami, Antonelli proves he’s ready to lead the World Championship. Can Russell bounce back in Canada?
David Coulthard, the former Formula 1 driver, recently pointed out that Kimi Antonelli might be on track to overtake George Russell as Mercedes’ team leader.
Antonelli has been on an impressive run, clinching victories in the last three races and pulling ahead by 20 points over his main competitor and teammate, Russell.
At the Miami race, the young Italian once again outperformed his more seasoned teammate, with Russell managing only fourth place, trailing by 43 seconds.
Coulthard acknowledged Antonelli’s rapid rise in 2026, which is just his second season in F1. He highlighted Antonelli’s strengths and suggested that the Italian is, in many ways, now leading the Mercedes team.
“He’s come of age,” Coulthard said during the Up To Speed podcast.
Despite being relatively new, Antonelli has shown resilience, dealing not only with the pressure from a driver like Lando ready to strike but also with technical glitches like inconsistent paddle shifts. Coulthard mentioned how Antonelli kept his cool even when his engineer, Bono, was trying to help troubleshoot the issue in a tense moment.
“I think he’s earned the right to lead the World Championship,” Coulthard added, noting that this situation probably feels uncomfortable for George. Still, the expectations now lean heavily toward Antonelli leading the team, especially based on recent results.
Coulthard also pointed out that Russell has the experience and skill to reclaim his position as the team’s lead driver, but emphasised that only one can come out on top; someone must finish first and the other second.
The rivalry between them might start opening doors for other teams. Coulthard noted that improvements from McLaren, Ferrari, and Red Bull were already noticeable, especially in Miami.
“Winning in the best car isn’t always straightforward. Many have tried and struggled,” he said.
For Russell, who is feeling the weight of this momentum shift, the upcoming race in Canada will be crucial if he wants to close the gap and halt Antonelli’s winning streak.
