Pitfitter446
·2023 to be 23 races, China dropped and not being replaced.
Red Bull Powertrains already tested its 2026 power unit at the end of 2022. Ford's contribution will come in the form of battery expertise — and money.
Today, Ford and Red Bull announced a new partnership, allowing the American automaker to return to Formula 1 in 2026. But the Red Bull Ford Powertrains logo that appeared during the announcement might have caused some confusion amidst the excitement. Red Bull Racing formed an independent company in 2021, called Red Bull Powertrains, aimed at developing an in-house power unit to debut for the 2026 season. The engine development arm already tested what is now the Red Bull Ford power unit for the first time late last year. In other words, despite the Ford name, it’s not exactly a Ford engine in F1.
Speaking with media at the launch, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner clarified the new partnership between Red Bull Powertrains and Ford. “There’s no change in shareholding or formation of the company,” Horner said. “It’s a contractual relationship with Ford. It’s a multi-year agreement covering the next phase of the engine regulations. The roles are clearly defined, which both partners are going to do.”
So it’s really a modified Honda engine with tech from Honda (given to Red Bull) then transferred and added by Ford 😲
Talk about IP rights transfer 😉