NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 03: The Oracle Red Bull Racing RB19 is unveiled during the Oracle Red Bull Racing Season Launch 2023 at Classic Car Club Manhattan on February 3, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Oracle Red Bull Racing) // FIA / Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202302030524 // Editorial use only //
Ford’s initial focus upon entering Red Bull was to provide support for the hybrid aspect of the 2026 power unit, which will have an equal distribution of power between internal combustion and electric sources. However, Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Motorsport at Ford, recently revealed that their involvement has expanded beyond electrification. In an interview with Motorsport.com, Rushbrook stated that the Ford team has a direct technical interface with the Milton Keynes campus, allowing them to contribute in various areas. Although internal combustion engine and turbo were not initially included in their responsibilities, their expertise in modeling and testing has proven valuable and has since been incorporated. Nevertheless, Rushbrook emphasized that their primary focus remains on electrification as it presents a significant opportunity.
Since entering Formula 1 in 2005, Red Bull Racing has always relied on external suppliers for their power units. However, after Honda’s decision to leave the sport at the end of 2021 and subsequently reverse their decision to continue in 2026 with Aston Martin, Red Bull chose to develop their own power unit for 2026. For this, they established Red Bull Powertrains and enlisted the assistance of Ford. However, it is undeniable that Red Bull lacks the experience of their competitors like Ferrari, Mercedes, and Renault, who have accumulated years of knowledge in designing and manufacturing F1 engines/power units.
Recognizing the challenges they face in reaching their competitors, Rushbrook remains optimistic and highlights the advantages of their approach. He acknowledges that Ferrari has extensive knowledge, a skilled workforce, and a well-established system, which undoubtedly gives them an edge. However, Rushbrook believes that one of Red Bull’s strengths lies in the fact that their power unit team is solely dedicated to developing the 2026 power unit. Unlike their competitors, they are not burdened with simultaneously working on current power units.
Rushbrook cautions against direct comparisons with their rivals but expresses satisfaction with the progress made by Red Bull Powertrains, based on internal goals set within the organization.
He stated: “At the beginning of any program, you set goals and milestones, and at the moment, we are achieving our own goals and milestones.
“However, speed in Formula 1 is much faster than in any other type of motorsport we are involved in. It is a high-speed continuous process, from initial development to 2030, when we complete races under these regulations,” he added.
Christian Horner and Max Verstappen have raised concerns about the 2026 power units not achieving the expected 50/50 power split. Toto Wolff and other competitors have dismissed these claims, suggesting that the Milton Keynes team is facing difficulties.
When asked about this, Rushbrook responded: “What I can say is that we have set our own development goals for this power unit, based on our experience and what we believe is necessary for success in 2026.
“We do not have knowledge of where our competitors are or how they are progressing. Therefore, we cannot make a direct comparison with them.
“However, compared to what we believe is necessary for success, we are in a favorable position,” Rushbrook concluded.
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