Formula 1: Ford and Red Bull unveil images and details of their 2026 single-seaters
The biggest changes to Formula 1 regulations in recent history will come into effect for the 2026 season, all while the series is enjoying unprecedented popularity. Several manufacturers such as Audi, Cadillac, and Ford are joining the adventure to take advantage of the great platform offered by Formula 1, and they are doing so at a key moment of regulatory change to have a chance to compete on equal terms with the established manufacturers.
The changes to the regulations are numerous and include changes to aerodynamics, tires, and the powertrain, the electric side of which can now provide up to 50% of the total power. The parameters under which this power can be used and stored have also changed. Remember that teams must also use synthetic fuels and design their own high-voltage batteries.
Having put its rather embarrassing history with Jaguar in the early 2000s behind it, Ford is relaunching itself into the adventure 22 years later with the Red Bull F1 team, hoping to impress the crowds in a sport that has changed greatly since then.
The American market has embraced Formula 1 in recent years. In fact, Ford organized the unveiling of the colors of the Red Bull F1 single-seaters, namely the Oracle Red Bull Racing and Visa CashApp Racing Bulls teams, at the legendary Michigan Central Station in downtown Detroit.
Moderate but very important technical involvement from Ford
Engine manufacturer Red Bull Powertrains has therefore commissioned Ford to develop some critical components of the RB22 powertrain. These components relate to the MGU-K electric motor and the combustion engine, as well as the turbine housing for the turbocharger. The latter is designed and manufactured by Ford Racing engineers using a laser 3D printer (DMLS), which eliminates geometric design barriers.
Ford will also be able to draw on Red Bull Powertrains' extensive experience to develop its own race cars in all classes, including the World Endurance Championship (WEC). Official testing will begin at the end of the month in Spain. All images from the unveiling can be found in the photo gallery at the top of the article.
A return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans
In addition to participating in Formula 1, Ford also announced earlier this year that the manufacturer will join the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2027 in the Hypercar category, the most prestigious class in the event. Alongside the unveiling of the Red Bull F1 car liveries, the manufacturer provided an update on developments in this area.
In collaboration with French firm Oreca, the American manufacturer is busy developing a chassis that will house its engine. The chosen engine is the good old 5.4-liter naturally aspirated “Coyote” V8 based on the 5.0-liter production engine we already know. This modified engine, already found in the Mustang's Dark Horse R, GT4, and GT3 racing programs, will be paired with a hybrid system to meet the requirements of its category.
Unlike other manufacturers, Ford is going it alone in this venture with a factory team managed by its own Ford Racing division.
