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.
GEORGE RUSSELL ADMITS ANTONELLI IS "EXCEPTIONALLY QUICK" BUT REFUSES TO CONCEDE TITLE
Kimi Antonelli secured his 3rd straight F1 win in Miami, leaving George Russell 43 seconds behind and 20 points down in the title race. (130 chars)
George Russell isn’t flinching. He’s not ready to let go of the story, even as Kimi Antonelli keeps grabbing headlines. Antonelli’s been tearing it up this season – three straight wins, all from pole – and it’s got people talking. Miami was rough for Russell; he finished fourth, over 43 seconds behind Antonelli. That gap isn’t just big; it’s glaring, and it’s putting some real heat on their rivalry at Mercedes.
Russell isn’t pretending things are fine, but he’s not throwing in the towel either. He gets what Antonelli’s doing and gives props where they’re deserved. “He’s a fantastic driver, and he’s been fast since day one,” Russell said. “You don’t win all those championships as a kid if you’re not quick.” He means it, but he’s also drawing a boundary. Russell still believes in himself, and he’s not giving up on the championship.
“I’ve still got confidence in myself, and I haven’t forgotten how to drive,” he said with a little smile. “It’s just a tricky patch, but we’re only four races in; there’s a lot more to come. We’ll sort things out over the next few weeks.”
That “tricky patch” doesn’t just mean some tough luck; it includes a 20-point deficit and a teammate who won’t stop rewriting history. Antonelli’s winning streak has changed the vibe at Mercedes, at least for now.
Russell knows all about momentum and how it doesn’t always stick around. “He’s got momentum right now; he’s flying,” Russell admitted. “But I’ve won championships myself, and I know momentum swings back and forth all year.” He actually doesn’t seem bothered by the points gap. “Honestly, I’m not even thinking about it,” he said.
It’s a calm answer from a guy who’s been here before, leaning on experience while Antonelli rides his hot streak. Russell keeps saying 'big picture, patience, not panic'.
“I just want to get back on top of the podium,” he said. “I had the pace for the first three races, but this weekend I was nowhere close. It could have gone very differently these last few weeks, and this weekend could’ve just been a blip. But some races in Japan and China didn’t go my way. That’s how F1 goes sometimes.”
Still, confidence doesn’t erase a 20-point gap, not if Antonelli keeps cruising. If Antonelli keeps piling up wins, Russell’s going to have to fight more than just the stopwatch. Losing to your teammate over and over starts to mess with your head. Russell began the season as the guy to beat, but the longer this keeps up, the tougher it gets to grab hold of the story again.
He’s holding firm, for now. But F1 doesn’t wait for anyone. What does Russell call “just a tricky run”? Well, if momentum doesn’t swing his way soon, it could become a whole lot more than that.
MAX VERSTAPPEN TAKES FRONT ROW IN MIAMI AS RED BULL UPGRADES DELIVER IMMEDIATE RESULTS
Charles Leclerc admitted surprise at Red Bull's pace after Max Verstappen finished P2, just 0.166s behind Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli.
Charles Leclerc expected Red Bull to bounce back, but he couldn’t help admiring Max Verstappen’s raw speed at the Miami Grand Prix.
Red Bull rolled into Miami with a big upgrade, looking to recover after a rough start to the season. Verstappen, a four-time world champ, landed his Red Bull in second during qualifying. He was only 0.166 seconds behind Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes, nearly snatching pole. After qualifying, Verstappen said he finally feels like he’s back in control of his car.
Leclerc was impressed by the turnaround. “Honestly, it’s not shocking to see Kimi up there. Mercedes has been the quickest team this year, and Kimi’s been amazing these last few races,” Leclerc said. “But Max and Red Bull are coming back like this? That’s a bit more surprising. The upgrades clearly worked, and you can’t forget how strong that team really is. You never expect them to just sit back and accept a slow start.”
He added, “We figured they’d come back swinging, but to see them right back on the front row after struggling at the start… that’s something else. It’s pretty remarkable. Still, my job’s the same: beat those guys. That’s where my head’s at right now.”
Leclerc had to settle for third on the grid for Sunday’s race. Ferrari looked strong early in qualifying, but their hopes faded by Q3.
He talked about the changing conditions, but didn’t think that’s what hurt Ferrari. “The wind definitely played a part, but track temperature wasn’t all that different, so I don’t think that’s the reason,” he said. “Maybe the track changed, and we didn’t see it coming, or maybe pushing harder today in qualifying just made our car’s weak spots stand out more.”
Leclerc admitted he hadn’t dug into the numbers yet; he’d just gotten out of the car. “We’ll have to check the details to figure out exactly where we lost time.”
