Horner comments on Red Bull's 'pivotal' partnership with Ford
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F1 News
- Estéban den Toom
Oracle Red Bull Racing, in collaboration with Ford — the title sponsor of Red Bull Ford Powertrains and the Red Bull Ford Academy Programme — launched the 2025 season at the official Ford Performance event. Christian Horner and Liam Lawson were among those present. They shared their excitement for the upcoming season and expressed their optimism about what lies ahead for the team.
In Charlotte, USA, the event was celebrated by over 1,800 fans, partners, and media members. The occasion was hosted by Oracle Red Bull Racing ambassador Josh Denzel, alongside CEO Christian Horner, driver Liam Lawson, and Red Bull Ford Academy driver Chloe Chambers, marking their first joint appearance as a team. Since February 2023, Ford Performance and Red Bull Ford Powertrains have been collaborating on the development of the 2026 power unit, which will power both Oracle Red Bull Racing and the Racing Bulls.
Horner, Lawson and Chambers on the collaboration
Horner, team principal and CEO of Red Bull spoke at the event: "It’s great to be kicking off 2025 celebrating Ford Performance as together, we prepare for the challenges and changes coming to both Formula One and Red Bull in 2026. It is a hugely exciting time for the Team and while the prospect of building our own engine is an undertaking that cannot be underestimated, our partnership with Ford is a pivotal one in the overall project. Ford have a long and storied history, synonymous with success through 120 years of motor racing and development. Today's launch is a reflection of that success and growth. Not only are Ford instrumental in our powertrain journey, they emulate our dedication to supporting female talent through their title sponsorship of the Red Bull Ford Academy Programme. It is, as I say, an exciting time."
Lawson, Max Verstappen's 2025 teammate, also shared his thoughts: “It’s really special to kick off my 2025 with the Team at the Ford Performance Season Launch in Charlotte. They are such a fun and interesting partner to work with and an iconic brand I’ve loved for a long time. I spend a lot of time in the US, usually at the wheel of a Ford Raptor R. The brand is synonymous with motorsport culture, not just here but worldwide and it’s special to be a part of the Ford family now. I’m looking forward to seeing what exciting things we can do together this season and what we are building together as we gear up to 2026.”
Chambers, driver of the Red Bull Academy Programme, is similarly excited, as she will compete with their support in F1 Academy: “It is so fun to be celebrating Ford Performance in my home country and it is an honour to be teamed up with an iconic American automotive company like Ford. I am very much looking forward to the 2025 F1 Academy Season and to driving for the Red Bull Ford Academy Programme at the first race in China. Driving in the Ford Mustang challenge at the end of last year was a great way to kick off my journey with Ford and I am grateful for all of the support that they have given me so far to help me achieve my own career goals in motorsport.”
This article was written in collaboration with Toby Nixon
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