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Ford expect a lot of pressure as Red Bull's partners: 'We have to win'
Red Bull Powertrains and Ford are set for a great challenge for the 2026 season, as the two will collaborate to supply Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls with power units once the new regulations come into effect. Team principal Christian Horner understands how hard it will be to compete against Ferrari, Mercedes, Honda and Audi.
Still, confidence is sky high at Red Bull and Ford, as they believe their cooperation has been going well so far, Horner explained at Ford Performance's 2025 season launch. "Formula 1 like any business, is a people's sport, and you've got to have the best people. The best designers, engineers and technicians. Anything that we've asked for [from Ford], it's never been too much trouble," the team boss of Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson declared.
Red Bull Racing have a great track record in the competition, having won four drivers' title with Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen each. Therefore, there is high pressure on the collaboration to succeed. Jim Farley, president and CEO of Ford Motor Company, also realises that. "It's going to be a lot of pressure," he says. "Everyone is counting on Ford. Going back to Formula 1 after all these years, it's a great, exciting moment, But we've got to win, right? So that's where the pressure's going to come."
Red Bull with clear goal: 'Powerful and reliable' power units
Red Bull are yet to start their final season with Honda, but Horner also already has his eyes set on their 2026 power units as well. "This week, in a year's time, we are going to see Red Bull and Ford powertrains powering two teams down the pitlane in Barcelona. We've got 48 weeks left to make this engine powerful and reliable."
Meanwhile, Red Bull's rivals are also working hard to get the better of the Austrians and each other as well. "We are going up against some big opponents. We've got Ferrari we are taking, we are taking on on Mercedes, we are taking on Honda. GM are coming in, we won't see those guys," Horner laughed during the last sentence as he pointed towards their rear when talking about Ford's rivals. "So it's going to be super competitive," Horner concluded.
This article was written in collaboration with Ludo van Denderen
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