Red Bull and Ford Unveil 2026 F1 Partnership, Marking Ford’s Return After Two Decades

Red Bull Racing and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls will show their 2026 liveries on Jan. 15 in Detroit and introduce Red Bull Ford Powertrains ahead of its debut as a Formula 1 power unit manufacturer. Ford hasn't competed in F1 for over 20 years.

Both teams will display their cars at Michigan Central Station in Detroit, where Ford Motor Company is based. The launch happens before Formula 1's first test of 2026, scheduled for Jan. 26-30 at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya.

"Since we announced our return to F1 with Red Bull, the Ford team have been working night and day to get ready for 2026. But this is about so much more than just the racing," said Jim Farley, the CEO of Ford Motor Company, per SB Nation. "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."

The partnership will power both the RB22 and the VCARB 03. F1 brings in a new set of technical regulations next year. That includes big changes to the power units.

"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," said Laurent Mekies, the CEO and Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing.

The 2026 regulations will introduce a split between internal combustion and electric power. They also mandate a change to 100 percent sustainable fuel. Cars will be lighter and smaller while producing a big increase in electric power.

Red Bull will hold its racing launch event earlier in the day on Jan. 15. The event features NASCAR, Mustang endurance sports car racing, and off-road teams. Ford's website will livestream the event.