Ford Confirms Red Bull's 2026 Power Unit Is Meeting All Targets

Ford's Global Director of Motorsports, Mark Rushbrook, has confirmed that the new Red Bull-Ford power unit for the 2026 season is progressing as planned. The project has reportedly met all its initial goals for power, performance, and reliability. However, Rushbrook cautions that the true test will be the first on-track running during pre-season testing in late January, a moment he describes as both important and nerve-wracking.

Why it matters:

This partnership marks a monumental shift for Red Bull, moving away from its championship-winning Honda power units to build its own engine from scratch. Success is critical for Red Bull to maintain its front-running status in the new 2026 regulations, while failure could jeopardize its competitive edge against established manufacturers like Mercedes, Ferrari, and the incoming Audi.

The details:

• Positive Progress: Ford's Mark Rushbrook stated, "Things are going according to plan and we are where we need to be," confirming that all timeline and performance goals set at the program's start have been met.
• Key Development Areas: The focus has been on achieving a balance of power, performance, reliability, and drivability.
• Current Focus: The team is now deep into refining drivability and calibration, using a combination of computer models, laboratory work, and driver-in-the-loop simulator sessions.
• The First Test: The first real-world assessment will happen during pre-season testing in Barcelona from January 26-30, an event Rushbrook calls a "nervous moment" where the past three years of work will be put to the test.

What's next:

All eyes will be on Barcelona when the Red Bull-Ford power unit turns its first official laps on track. This will be the first indication of whether Red Bull's ambitious—and self-described "crazy"—decision to become a power unit manufacturer can challenge the established order and deliver a title-contending package for Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez.