The one detail of Ford's entry into F1 with Red Bull that no one is talking about

There is one detail of Ford’s entry into F1 with Red Bull that no one is talking about.

The legendary brand announced its return to F1 through a partnership with Red Bull Powertrains.

It is a deal that will see Ford help supply a power unit from 2026 through to at least 2030.

But there is a detail of the deal that no one appears to be considering.

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Ford’s F1 return confirmed with Red Bull

February 2023 saw a massive announcement made in the world of F1.

The announcement in question saw Ford confirm its return to the pinnacle of four-wheeled motorsport.

This return of the Blue Oval brand comes in a very interesting way, though.

Ford and Red Bull Powertrains are expected to collaborate on a next-gen power unit.

This power unit will be supplied to both Oracle Red Bull Racing and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls from 2026 until at least 2030.

F1’s future regulations revolve around the current 1.6-liter turbocharged power units.

But they are set to incorporate increased electrical power and more sustainable fuels.

The new rules are also aimed at lowering costs and improving safety.

Ford is reportedly set to provide technical expertise in several areas.

This includes battery cell and electric motor technology, as well as power unit control software.

Jim Farley, CEO of Ford, was delighted to confirm the marque’s involvement.

“Ford’s return to Formula 1 with Red Bull Racing is all about where we are going as a company – increasingly electric, software-defined, modern vehicles and experiences,” the CEO said.

“F1 will be an incredibly cost-effective platform to innovate, share ideas and technologies, and engage with tens of millions of new customers.”

Bill Ford, the Executive Chairman of Ford Motor Company, had this to say.

“This is the start of a thrilling new chapter in Ford’s motorsports story that began when my great-grandfather [Henry Ford] won a race that helped launch our company,” he said.

“Ford, alongside world champions, Oracle Red Bull Racing, is returning to the pinnacle of the sport, bringing Ford’s long tradition of innovation, sustainability, and electrification to one of the world’s most visible stages.”

The detail that no one is talking about

So, we know that Ford’s getting back into F1.

We also know that they’re partnering with Red Bull Powertrains to do so. But what is the one thing that nobody is actually talking about?

A few years ago, Oracle Red Bull Racing raided rivals Mercedes for its engineers.

And it nabbed some extremely high-profile names.

Among the recruits was Ben Hodgkinson, formerly the head of mechanical engineering at Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains.

Several other high-profile hires were made, including Steve Blewett (Production Director) and Anton Mayo (Head of ICE design).

To put all of this simply, Red Bull has built an in-house Powertrains division from scratch.

And it has hired title-winning talent from Mercedes to do it.

This means that Ford’s not just stumbling around in the dark – it will be supported by and collaborate with some of the best engineers in the world.

But aside from the safety of the expertise and support at hand, there is another interesting factor at play.

And that factor is motivation.

General Motors is now getting involved in F1 through the new Cadillac F1 Team.

Ford and GM have been intense rivals from the very beginning of the American automotive industry.

This intense, all-American competition creates even more motivation for Ford, at a level that it hasn’t had in any of its previous F1 stints.

This factor makes the Ford-Red Bull partnership all the more sensible.

Red Bull gets an excellent partner to help develop its powertrain for 2026 and beyond.

And Ford hasn’t won in F1 since its partnership with Benetton in the 1990s, so next season will definitely be interesting.