In its announcement Friday, Ford said it starts a “long-term strategic technical partnership for the development of the next generation hybrid power unit to be used from the 2026 Formula 1 season”.
The company advanced that it would supply power units for both the Red Bull and Alpha Tauri teams from 2026 to at least 2030.
“This is the start of an exciting new chapter in Ford’s motorsports history, which began when my great-grandfather (Henry Ford) won a race that helped launch our company,” CEO Bill Ford recalled.
The automaker last participated in Formula 1 in 2004, then associated with Jordan, and its return is a further sign of the growth of the sport in the United States.
In the 2023 season the United States will host three Grands Prix, with a new circuit in Las Vegas joining those in Miami and Austin.
Red Bull, for its part, is the current champion of both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ World Championships. The Dutchman Max Verstappen won the last two titles while the Mexican Sergio Pérez was third in 2022.
Ford has participated in 10 constructors’ and 13 drivers’ championships and is the third most successful engine manufacturer in the category’s history. His most recent triumph is Michael Schumacher’s victory with Benetton in 1994.
This same Friday, Red Bull unveiled its new car for next season at an event held in New York in which the team manager, Christian Hornerexpressed his illusion with this new alliance.
“It’s fantastic to welcome Ford to Formula 1 through this partnership,” he said. “They are a manufacturer rich with an engine history that spans generations. From Jim Clark to Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher, their lineage speaks for itself. For us as Red Bull Powertrains, opening the next chapter of that dynasty as Red Bull Ford is tremendously exciting.”
The agreement between the two companies, which will begin to collaborate this year in view of the change in regulations for engines in the queen of motorsports division, was welcomed by the executive director of the competition, Stefano Domenicali.
“Today’s news that Ford will be coming to Formula 1 from 2026 is very good for the sport and we are delighted to see it join the incredible automotive partners already in Formula 1,” said Domenicali.
From the current 1.6-liter turbocharged power unit, the future engine regulation will include greater electrical power and 100% sustainable fuelswhich should also improve safety and reduce costs for manufacturers.
For the first time since 2014, Red Bull will start the year as the team to beat in the Constructors’ World Championship.
“We went from being the hunter to being the hunted,” Horner said at the event. “Our rivals have certainly not stood still. We expect Ferrari to be competitive, Mercedes will be there.”
Source: Ambito
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