Why Red Bull chose Ford for 2026

Two years after the end of its official collaboration with Honda, and a few months after having confirmed the failure of its alliance with Porsche, Red Bull has found in Ford its much-desired partner for the next engine regulations. Analysis of a marriage of convenience.

Published on 05/02/2023 à 16:33

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Max Verstappen and Christian Horner will collaborate with Ford from 2026. © Julien Delfosse / DPPI

It is the story of an alliance that no one saw coming and of a marriage of interest which nevertheless did not escape love at first sight. Just a few months after their first meeting around a table, Red Bull and Ford indeed recited their vows in front of the whole world last Friday February 3. The Austrian team, which officially became its own engine manufacturer since last year despite logistical support from Honda, had in fact set out in search of the ideal partner to negotiate the shift towards electrification imposed by the new 2026 regulations.

Discussions with the Japanese led to nothing. Those with Porsche had almost ended with a signature, before a complete reversal started by the Marko-Horner duo. Red Bull Powertrains has therefore finally joined forces with Ford, a brand which has some references