Red Bull to launch own engine in 2026 with Ford

Red Bull plans to build its own power unit for 2026 with Ford, while leadership changes test the timing.

Red Bull bets on 2026 engine amid high stakes

Red Bull will build its own power unit for 2026 through a new Powertrains division, with Ford as a partner. The move comes as Honda exits the current supply arrangement to join Aston Martin, reshaping the engine landscape alongside Mercedes, Ferrari and the new Audi F1 entry. Juan Pablo Montoya argues Red Bull has attracted top talent from several manufacturers, and he says the team could still deliver a strong engine despite the absence of Adrian Newey, who left last year.

Team principal Christian Horner has warned that it will be unrealistic to expect Red Bull to lead the field in 2026, calling it unlikely to outpace established PU makers. He argues the in house program could pay long term dividends, thanks to closer collaboration between chassis and engine. The leadership changes at Red Bull, including the departure of Newey and the retirement of other key figures, add risk to the timetable but Montoya notes the core talent remains in place, suggesting a waiting game before its supremacy returns.

The plan underscores a shift in Formula 1 where teams invest in self supplied power units. The advantage could be closer integration and faster iteration, but the risk is a delay in getting the design right and the leadership gap causing missteps. The 2026 regulation change also heightens the stakes for all power unit makers and the sport now faces a critical test of whether a well funded in house program can translate into quick gains.

If Red Bull can align its engineering muscle with stable leadership and a clear product strategy, it could reap a stronger payoff in 27 and beyond. If not, rivals may widen the gap during the early years of the new era.

Highlights

The real test lies in execution under pressure rather than plans on paper.