Red Bull and Ford Announce Joint 2026 F1 Season Launch in Detroit, Signifying New Era

Milton Keynes, UK – Red Bull Racing has officially confirmed its highly anticipated 2026 Formula 1 season launch event will take place on January 15, 2026, in Detroit, Michigan. The strategic decision to host the unveiling in the heart of Ford’s operations underscores the significance of the burgeoning partnership between the dominant F1 constructor and the American automotive giant, marking the dawn of the Red Bull Ford Powertrains era. The event is slated to reveal the liveries for both the Red Bull Racing team and its sister team, Racing Bulls, signaling a monumental shift in the sport’s technical landscape and Red Bull’s engine strategy.

The 2026 Formula 1 season represents a significant technical overhaul for the championship, particularly concerning power unit regulations. These changes are designed to usher in a new era of sustainability, technological relevance, and potentially, a more level playing field. Key among these revisions is a move towards a near 50:50 split between internal combustion and electric power, a substantial increase in the electrical component compared to current regulations. Furthermore, the sport will mandate the use of 100% sustainable fuels, aligning with global environmental objectives and attracting manufacturers keen to showcase their green credentials. It is against this backdrop of profound regulatory transformation that Red Bull’s transition from its successful Honda partnership to an alliance with Ford becomes particularly pertinent.

The collaboration with Ford, announced in February 2023, sees the iconic American manufacturer return to Formula 1 in an official capacity after more than two decades. Ford’s role will be a technical and commercial partner to Red Bull Powertrains (RBP), the engine division established by Red Bull in 2021. RBP was created to design, develop, and manufacture its own power units following Honda’s initial decision to withdraw from F1 at the end of 2021, although the Japanese manufacturer later agreed to continue technical support until the end of 2025. This strategic move by Red Bull to bring power unit development in-house was a bold declaration of independence and a long-term vision for self-sufficiency. The alliance with Ford provides RBP with invaluable expertise, particularly in the realm of hybrid and electric technologies, where Ford possesses extensive road-car development experience.

Laurent Mekies, Team Principal of Racing Bulls, articulated the profound implications of the impending collaboration. "The launch of the Red Bull Ford Powertrains era represents not only a bold step into the future, but a powerful expression of what’s possible when world-class engineering, innovation, and passion come together," Mekies stated. His comments reflect the ambitious nature of the project, which aims to leverage the strengths of both entities to create a competitive power unit from scratch, a formidable undertaking in the high-stakes world of Formula 1. "To see the energy, precision, and scale behind this project is inspiring. It’s the culmination of several years of collaboration between two great names in motorsport. We’re incredibly excited to begin this new chapter, driven by the same determination and excellence that defines both Ford and Red Bull."

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Ford’s return to Formula 1 is a homecoming for a brand deeply woven into the fabric of motorsport history. Through its long-standing partnership with Cosworth, Ford engines powered numerous championship-winning cars and legendary drivers, securing 10 constructors’ titles and 13 drivers’ championships, including iconic victories with Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart, Ayrton Senna, and Michael Schumacher. Their last full factory involvement was with Jaguar Racing in the early 2000s, a team that would eventually be acquired by Red Bull and transformed into the dominant force it is today. Ford’s decision to re-enter F1 is driven by the sport’s renewed focus on sustainable technology and its expanding global reach, particularly in key markets.

Peter Bayer, CEO of Racing Bulls, echoed the enthusiasm for Ford’s return. "We’re incredibly excited to welcome Ford back into the world of Formula 1. With over 125 years of heritage, innovation, and absolute dedication to performance, Ford embodies the same competitive spirit that drives our team," Bayer commented. "This partnership brings together global brands united by a love of racing and a commitment to pushing boundaries." For Racing Bulls, securing the same Red Bull Ford Powertrains unit as its senior counterpart is crucial. As a feeder team, Racing Bulls (formerly AlphaTauri and Toro Rosso) plays a vital role in developing young talent for Red Bull Racing. Having identical power units ensures maximum synergy in data sharing and development, optimizing the overall Red Bull F1 ecosystem.

Beyond the competitive arena, Ford Motor Company president Jim Farley highlighted the broader strategic objectives behind the partnership. "Since we announced our return to F1 with Red Bull, the Ford team have been working night and day to get ready for 2026," Farley stated, emphasizing the intensity of the preparations. "But this is about so much more than just the racing. It is about how we use our learnings from F1 to make our cars and trucks better for our customers. What we will learn together with Red Bull will define the technologies of the future and that is what excites me most about this relationship." This focus on technology transfer, particularly in electrification and advanced combustion, aligns with Ford’s corporate vision for its road vehicle portfolio, seeking to leverage the extreme demands of F1 development for real-world innovation.

The choice of Detroit for the launch event is highly symbolic. Known as the "Motor City," Detroit is the global headquarters of Ford and a historic hub of automotive innovation. Hosting the launch there underscores Ford’s deep roots in the industry and its commitment to the F1 project. While the event on January 15, 2026, will primarily showcase the new liveries, it is important to note the distinction between a livery launch and a full car launch, particularly under the new regulations. F1 teams often present their liveries on show cars or previous year’s chassis, keeping the actual design of their new challengers under wraps until closer to the pre-season testing.

The immense technical challenge of the 2026 regulations means teams are operating under immense pressure. The new power unit design, coupled with significant changes to chassis regulations – including smaller, lighter cars and revised aerodynamic concepts – requires an unprecedented level of integration between engine and chassis development. Teams are effectively racing against the clock to finalize designs and manufacturing processes. The opening pre-season test for the 2026 F1 season is scheduled for January 26-30, just weeks after Red Bull and Ford’s livery reveal. This tight timeline means that while the visual identity will be established, the true performance of the new Red Bull Ford Powertrains and the RB22 chassis will only begin to emerge during these crucial test sessions.

The Red Bull Ford alliance enters a competitive landscape that is also undergoing significant shifts. Mercedes and Ferrari, long-standing power unit manufacturers, will undoubtedly be formidable, while Audi is set to enter the sport as a new power unit supplier and team. Honda, having concluded its official partnership with Red Bull, will continue in F1 by supplying power units to Aston Martin, setting up a direct rivalry with its former partner. The 2026 season promises to be a fascinating chapter in Formula 1, and the joint launch in Detroit serves as an early, potent declaration of intent from Red Bull and Ford as they embark on this ambitious new venture.

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Jonas Leo

Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.

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