Red Bull support their new engine partner during Charlotte launch
Oracle {Red Bull Racing} supported Ford, the title partner of Red Bull Ford Powertrains and Red Bull Ford Academy Programme, at their 2025 Ford Performance season launch.
After more than two decades, Ford announced its return to Formula 1 in February 2023. The iconic American automaker and Red Bull Powertrains are entering into a long term strategic technical partnership for the development of the next-gen hybrid power unit to be used from the 2026 Formula 1 season onwards.
Red Bull Ford will provide the power units for both the Red Bull Racing and its sister team, the Racing Bulls from 2026 to at least 2030.
Red Bull are set to make use of Ford expertise in hybrid power units but also in the development of the internal combustion engine, the battery systems and control systems as well as supply chain expertise.
The American company noted that "with over 100 years of innovation and technology leadership, Ford is bringing knowledge and expertise to this exciting partnership that will navigate the biggest change to the Formula One technical regulations in history, as the sport commits to being fully sustainable by 2030 with greater levels of power generated by battery and a move to sustainable fuels. "
In front of 1800 fans, Ford has now staged a launch event in Charlotte, USA, hosted by Oracle Red Bull Racing Ambassador Josh Denzel, with CEO and Team Principal Christian Horner, Red Bull racer Liam Lawson and Red Bull Ford Academy Programme driver Chloe Chambers having made their first team appearance together.
Reflecting on the launch event, Red Bull's team boss Christian Horner said: "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.”
Speaking of the new partnership, Ford's CEO Jim Farley added: “Formula One is our chance to showcase Ford technologies on a global stage to a whole new audience, generating excitement for the iconic Ford brand all around the world.
"This is such an exciting chapter in Ford’s history. Over the past 20 years Red Bull has succeeded in changing the landscape of Formula One and it has done so by being determined to do things differently, an ethos that is very much emulated in the Red Bull Ford Powertrains partnership and with the title sponsorship of the Red Bull Ford Academy Programme.”
Ahead of his debut season with Red Bull, Liam Lawson commented: “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.”
