Red Bull Powertrains, in partnership with Ford, is gearing up to ignite its debut 2026 F1 engine, marking an exciting milestone for the collaboration. Helmut Marko, Red Bull F1 motorsport advisor, revealed that their first complete unit, encompassing an internal combustion engine, MGU-K, and battery, will soon be put to the test on the bench. Speaking at Spa-Francorchamps, Marko confidently asserted that their development progress places them on par with Mercedes, while leaving Ferrari trailing in their wake. “With our new partner Ford, everything is proceeding smoothly,” he added.
Addressing Red Bull’s apprehension over the future impact of electric components within the 2026 F1 power unit, these concerns found little support during the recent F1 Commission meeting at the circuit. However, the FIA has responded positively to Red Bull’s worries by agreeing to significantly reduce the size and weight of the 2026 Formula 1 car, with a focus on enhancing energy management. “We are making noteworthy strides. Nevertheless, the FIA’s proposal to alter the hybrid drive ratio is being contemplated due to safety considerations,” Marko highlighted. He further cautioned against an adverse consequence, citing the potential weight and size increase of the car should the battery weigh 100 kilos.
Furthermore, Red Bull expressed its enthusiasm for the use of e-fuel, underlining that emissions will cease to be a concern. To reinforce their new engine division, Red Bull Powertrains, the team successfully recruited a number of competent engine specialists from Mercedes. However, Marko refuted the notion that higher salaries played a role, asserting that the recruits were attracted by Red Bull’s racing spirit and passion. “We were an appealing option for them,” he emphasized.
Highlighting their ambitious infrastructure, Marko proudly revealed that Red Bull’s campus consists of 15 buildings housing both chassis and engine development, a distinction shared only with Ferrari in the Formula 1 arena.
Category: F1 / Red Bull Racing / Ford F1
Red Bull Powertrains is preparing to fire its first 2026 F1 engine in collaboration with new partner Ford.
“In the coming weeks, the first complete unit with an internal combustion engine, MGU-K and battery will be up and running on the test bench,” Red Bull F1 motorsport advisor Helmut Marko at Spa-Francorchamps told Speed Week.
“We think we are on the same level as Mercedes in terms of development. I can’t judge Renault, but Ferrari is behind us.”
“With our next partner Ford, everything is going according to plan.”
Red Bull’s concerns about the greater impact of the electric parts of the 2026 F1 power unit were largely dismissed at the F1 Commission meeting at the circuit on Friday.
The FIA has agreed to “significantly reduce the size and weight” of the 2026 Formula 1 car, including improving “energy management” to address Red Bull’s concerns.
“We are making good progress. But the FIA’s proposal to change the ratio of hybrid drive is also foreseen due to safety concerns.”
“Then the battery would weigh 100 kilos, and the car would have to be even heavier and bigger. We don’t think that’s a good thing.”
“As we will be running on e-fuel[tanwydd synthetig]emissions will no longer matter.”
Red Bull has poached several engine specialists from Mercedes for its new engine division, Red Bull Powertrains, but Marko denied that the team had to lure them for triple their salary.
“No. Those recruits were influenced by other factors, our spirit and our passion,” said Marko.
“We were attractive to them as racers.”
“On a campus that currently has 15 buildings, we have chassis and engine development in one place, the only place apart from Ferrari that does this.”
Category: F1 / red bull racing / Ford F1
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