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Formula 1 will introduce a new breed of power units from the 2026 season, these are set to have greater dependence on electricity compared to current PUs, while the Internal Combustion Engine will run on fully sustainable fuel.
These plans have already tempted Porsche and Audi to publicly register their interest in these regulations, Audi will announce a partnership with Sauber that will see the Swiss team, currently branded as Alfa Romeo, become an Audi works team from 2026.
Meanwhile, Porsche is still evaluating its options after an attempt to partner with Red Bull and buy Red Bull Technologies failed.
And according to a report from Motorsport.com, Ford is among the manufacturers looking at Formula 1, with Red Bull an option being explored.
Ford’s previous involvement in Formula 1 was less successful. The American manufacturer bought Stewart Grand Prix in 1999 and rebranded the team to reflect their Jaguar brand, serving as Ford’s F1 works team.
After scoring just two podiums, Ford, who had also seen Jordan powered by Ford-Cosworth engines in 2003 and 2004, would sell their works team to Red Bull, allowing Red Bull Racing to take their place in grid from 2005.
Motorsport.com states that Ford has been re-alert to Formula 1 by the increasing popularity of the series in the United States, and since they are reportedly not interested in a works team or their own power unit at this stage, it can be seen Red Bull as an assessment option.
The report says that Ford is not looking for a stake in the operation of Red Bull like Porsche, or a say in the development of their power unit, whose marketing benefit is of interest to Ford.
After Honda’s official exit from F1 at the end of 2021, Red Bull Powertrains is set to debut its first full power unit from 2026, with Honda continuing to build Red Bull’s PUs until then .
Honda is also in the mix for a potential official return to Formula 1 from 2026.
Red Bull principal Christian Horner previously spoke about a partner for Red Bull Powertrains not being a “prerequisite”, but something to consider if that partner could bring something important on the table.
“We are fully focused on a Red Bull power unit, and if there is a similar partner who can contribute something to the project, of course you have to fully consider that,” said Horner. “But it’s not a requirement.
“We are the only team other than Ferrari to have the engine and chassis all on one campus under one roof.
“We believe that for the long-term competitiveness of the team, it’s absolutely the right thing to do. And of course, there are other opportunities that this presents as well.”
Speaking to journalists, including PlanetF1.com, about the entry of Red Bull Powertrains from 2026, Horner said: “As a newcomer for 2026, Red Bull Powertrains has entered, and it is an exciting moment for the group, for the company.
“A new challenge to face and a lot to do between now and 2026.”
Why Ford and Red Bull could benefit
Perhaps still scarred from the distant past of that stint in Formula 1 between 2000-04, the route back to Formula 1 that Ford is reportedly considering could serve as the perfect way to enjoy a Formula 1 experience 1 that seems productive.
Of course Porsche fell when they tried to remove the barrier of a level of control in Red Bull Technologies, but in the case of Ford, they can leave Red Bull to continue everything in the independent way that they feel is part of their DNA, while Ford enjoys the benefits of having their brand name associated with the team’s operation.
Although this will be a new venture for Red Bull, the team has had plenty of success in the F1 side of the race as five-time Constructors’ champions, along with six Drivers’ titles, so will be supported by one team to get them new power units too, especially after investing heavily in facilities and recruiting key personnel from rivals Mercedes.
With the Mercedes power unit enjoying unrelenting success in the turbo-hybrid era, taking the team to eight straight Constructors’ titles between 2014-21, Red Bull will certainly bring a wealth of knowledge.
Additionally, Ford can provide technical support to Red Bull, because although these power units are new, Ford is certainly not new to the world of motorsport, nor is it new to Red Bull, the pair that currently working together in the World Rally Championship. Sounds like a winning combination.
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