Formula 1 : Ford and Red Bull Unveil 2026 Livery, Details on Technical Partnership
The biggest changes to Formula 1 regulations in recent history will come into effect for the 2026 season, at a time when the series is thriving with unprecedented popularity. Several manufacturers, including Audi, Cadillac, and Ford, are joining the adventure to take advantage of the great visibility offered by Formula 1, and they are doing so at a key moment of regulatory change to have a chance to compete on equal terms with the established manufacturers.
The changes to the regulations are numerous and include modifications to aerodynamics, tires, and powertrain, whose electric component can now provide up to 50% of the total power. The parameters under which this power can be used and stored have also changed. Moreover, teams must develop their own synthetic fuels and design their own high-voltage batteries.
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Having put its rather embarrassing history with Jaguar in the early 2000s behind it, Ford is relaunching itself into the adventure 22 years later with the Red Bull F1 team, hoping to gain traction in a sport that has changed greatly since then.
The American market has embraced Formula 1 in recent years. Hence, Ford took the opportunity to organize the unveiling of the liveries under the Red Bull F1 banner, namely the Oracle Red Bull Racing and Visa CashApp Racing Bulls teams, at the legendary Michigan Central Station in downtown Detroit.
A modest, but very important technical contribution from Ford
Engine manufacturer Red Bull Powertrains commissioned Ford to develop several critical components for the RB22 powertrain. These include parts for the MGU-K electric motor and combustion engine, as well as the turbine housing for the turbocharger. The latter is designed and manufactured by Ford Racing engineers using a 3D laser printer (DMLS), which eliminates geometric design barriers for this titanium-made part.
Ford will be able to draw on Red Bull Powertrains' extensive experience to develop its own race cars in all classes, including the World Endurance Championship (WEC). Official F1 testing will begin at the end of the month in Spain. All images from the unveiling are available in the photo gallery at the top of the article.
A return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans
In addition to participating in Formula 1, Ford also announced earlier this year that the manufacturer will compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2027 in the Hypercar category, the most prestigious class in the race.
Alongside the unveiling of the Red Bull F1 car liveries, the manufacturer provided an update on developments in this project. In collaboration with French firm Oreca, the American manufacturer is busy developing a chassis that will house its American-made powertrain.
The engine in question is the good old 5.4-liter naturally aspirated “Coyote” V8 based on the 5.0-liter production engine we already know. This heavily modified engine, already found in the Mustang's Dark Horse R, GT4, and GT3 racing programs, will be paired with a hybrid system to meet the requirements of its category. Unlike other manufacturers, Ford is going it alone in this venture with a factory team managed by its own Ford Racing division rather than funding an outside team.
