Red Bull and Ford inked an agreement in January 2023 to develop a technical alliance in anticipation for a comeback to Formula One in 2026, when new engine regulations take effect. Ford was supposed to supply engines to Red Bull and its sister team, RB, via Red Bull Powertrains.
Ford has a long history in grand prix racing, having entered the sport in 1967 with Lotus and their Cosworth DFV engine, and winning on debut at the Dutch GP with Jim Clark. The Detroit company built on their first success, propelling 10 drivers to world championship victory, the latest of whom was Benetton’s Michael Schumacher in 1994.
But Ford’s comeback to F1 may be on hold.Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, was accused of ‘inappropriate behaviour,’ prompting an internal Red Bull probe.
The contract’s release clause, first reported by the Financial Times, discloses that Ford has the option to quit its association with Red Bull if it believes it is detrimental to the overall Ford brand.
If Ford terminated the partnership early, both teams would be without an engine supplier, as their present partner, Honda, is slated to transfer to Aston Martin in 2026.
Mark Rushbrook, Ford’s worldwide head of Performance Motorsport, recently stated that the firm was awaiting the results of the Horner inquiry, and that the company expects the highest standards from its partners.
“As a family firm, and a corporation that holds itself to very high standards of behavior and honesty, we do demand the same from our partners,” Rushbrook stated to
Last Friday, the media gathered in Daytona, Florida. “We believe, and have been assured, that Red Bull is taking the problem very seriously. Naturally, they are also concerned about their brand.
“That’s why they’re conducting an independent inquiry, and until we know what the reality is, it’s too early for us to comment.”
