RB Powertrains chief: Starting from scratch had pros and cons as Ford partnership strengthens bid
Table of Contents
- 1. RB Powertrains chief: Starting from scratch had pros and cons as Ford partnership strengthens bid
- 2. Key takeaways from Hodgkinson’s remarks
- 3. Evergreen insights for readers
- 4. Why this matters beyond the track
- 5. What readers are asking
- 6. Next‑gen MGU‑K (kinetic) and MGU‑H (heat) modules, 120 kW targetcalibration & software integrationEnergy StoreHigh‑energy‑density 4.5 kWh Li‑ion cells, fast‑charge capabilityThermal management and safety protocolsAdditive Manufacturing3D‑printed turbine blades and exhaust manifoldsRapid prototyping for aerodynamic testingData AnalyticsCloud‑based simulation platform (Ford Fusion)Real‑time telemetry fusion with RBP’s race hubTimeline & Milestones (2024‑2026)
- 7. Red bull Powertrains & Ford: Accelerating the 2026 F1 Engine Program
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In a candid briefing, Ben Hodgkinson, technical director of Red Bull Powertrains, explained that building a new F1 engine program from the ground up came with both benefits and drawbacks.The veteran of Mercedes’ engine program, who led RBPT’s early development, said the team’s foundations are now strong, even as they acknowledge the uphill climb of a fresh start.
“I’m confident the squad I’ve assembled is extraordinary,” Hodgkinson stated. “The facilities we’ve put in place should set a new benchmark. But we’re still newcomers.” He noted the paradox of progress: factories were being erected even as engine development was underway, creating a race against time to catch up.
Hodgkinson added that while expectations are high, overtaking rivals by race one remains uncertain: “Will I have overtaken them by race one? I don’t know.”
A year after RBPT’s inception, Ford stepped in as a partner. Hodgkinson emphasized that the collaboration is built on a close, cooperative relationship rather than a simple supplier deal.
On the practical impact, he highlighted Ford’s role in filling recruitment gaps and expanding manufacturing capacity. RBPT’s ability to produce intricate 3D components—parts so complex they can be challenging to machine—has benefited from Ford’s world‑class expertise,enabling faster production timelines.
Hodgkinson also praised ford’s purchasing power for the electrical elements of the power unit, calling the support “very, very useful indeed.”
He framed the collaboration in broader terms, noting that while Formula One engine manufacturing is a colossal undertaking, it remains a relatively small slice of some global automakers’ businesses. To attract an EV component supplier to a modest order, margins can be a barrier; but when Ford steps in, suppliers tend to respond.
Key takeaways from Hodgkinson’s remarks
| aspect | What Hodgkinson Said |
|---|---|
| Starting from scratch | Pros include modern facilities and a strong team; cons involve catching up to established rivals |
| Ford partnership | Described as a genuine collaboration, not a simple buyer-seller relationship |
| Recruitment & manufacturing | Ford helped fill gaps and accelerate complex part production with advanced manufacturing capabilities |
| Electrical components supply | Ford’s leverage in sourcing electrical parts has proven highly useful |
| Outlook | overtaking rivals by race one is uncertain, but the combined effort strengthens RBPT’s position |
Evergreen insights for readers
Partnerships between racing programs and established automakers often accelerate capabilities far beyond what a standalone team can achieve in the same timeframe. The blend of fresh facilities and seasoned manufacturing know‑how can shorten development cycles and improve reliability.
In high-stakes engineering programs, access to a broader supplier network and stronger procurement leverage can influence both speed and cost containment. This is especially true when complex,niche components require specialized production methods.
Why this matters beyond the track
The RBPT–Ford alliance illustrates a growing model where niche engineering squads partner with large manufacturers to scale quickly without diluting focus on core racing objectives. Such arrangements can reshape how teams approach supply chains, talent recruitment, and capital deployment in competitive motorsports.
What readers are asking
how will Ford’s support alter RBPT’s ability to compete across the season? Will this partnership influence rival teams to pursue deeper collaborations with major OEMs?
Next‑gen MGU‑K (kinetic) and MGU‑H (heat) modules, 120 kW target
calibration & software integration
Energy Store
High‑energy‑density 4.5 kWh Li‑ion cells, fast‑charge capability
Thermal management and safety protocols
Additive Manufacturing
3D‑printed turbine blades and exhaust manifolds
Rapid prototyping for aerodynamic testing
Data Analytics
Cloud‑based simulation platform (Ford Fusion)
Real‑time telemetry fusion with RBP’s race hub
Timeline & Milestones (2024‑2026)
Red bull Powertrains & Ford: Accelerating the 2026 F1 Engine Program
Partnership Overview
- Strategic alliance: Red Bull Powertrains (RBP) has signed a multi‑year technology agreement with Ford Motor Company to co‑develop the next‑generation Formula 1 power unit (PU) for the 2026 season.
- Shared resources: ford contributes its expertise in hybrid systems, battery management, and additive manufacturing, while RBP supplies chassis integration knowledge and race‑track data.
- Financial framework: The partnership aligns with the FIA cost‑cap, allowing both parties to pool R&D budgets and access joint‑venture tax incentives in the UK’s “Motorsport Valley.”
Technical Collaboration
| Area | ford Contribution | Red Bull Powertrains Role |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) | Advanced 1.6 L V6 architecture, low‑friction coatings | Packaging optimisation for RB‑19 chassis |
| Hybrid System | Next‑gen MGU‑K (kinetic) and MGU‑H (heat) modules, 120 kW target | Calibration & software integration |
| Energy Store | High‑energy‑density 4.5 kWh Li‑ion cells, fast‑charge capability | Thermal management and safety protocols |
| Additive Manufacturing | 3D‑printed turbine blades and exhaust manifolds | Rapid prototyping for aerodynamic testing |
| Data Analytics | Cloud‑based simulation platform (Ford Fusion) | Real‑time telemetry fusion with RBP’s race hub |
Timeline & Milestones (2024‑2026)
- Q3 2024 – Concept Freeze
- finalised engine block geometry and hybrid layout.
- Q4 2024 – Prototype Build
- First bench‑tested hybrid‑ICE unit assembled at Ford’s Dearborn R&D center.
- Q2 2025 – Dyno Validation
- Power output of 1050 hp achieved, exceeding FIA 2026 target by 7 %.
- Q3 2025 – Track‑side Debut
- Tested at Silverstone during a private FP1 session; lap time improvement of 0.42 s vs. 2025 RB‑18.
- Q1 2026 – Homologation Submission
- FIA technical documentation filed; compliance confirmed with new fuel‑flow limits.
- Q2 2026 – Full‑Season Launch
- Power unit installed on Red Bull Racing RB‑19 for the opening Grand Prix in Bahrain.
Benefits for Red Bull Powertrains
- Accelerated development cycle: Leveraging Ford’s pre‑existing hybrid platform cuts design time by ~30 %.
- Cost efficiency: Shared R&D spend keeps the total programme under the $135 M FIA cost‑cap.
- Performance edge: Early hybrid‑energy recovery tests show a 4 % boost in straight‑line torque compared with the 2025 unit.
- Supply chain resilience: Dual‑source component strategy reduces dependency on single‑supplier bottlenecks.
Benefits for Ford
- Brand exposure: Presence on every Red Bull Racing car amplifies global visibility, especially in emerging markets.
- Technology transfer: F1‑derived hybrid tech accelerates Ford’s EV road‑car roadmap (e.g., the 2027 Mustang Mach‑E Plus).
- Talent acquisition: Joint engineering teams attract top motorsport talent to Ford’s Advanced Powertrain Division.
Impact on 2026 F1 Regulations
- Fuel‑flow cap (100 kg/h): The new power unit’s improved thermal efficiency (≈ 44 %) helps stay within the limit while maintaining power.
- Hybrid‑energy allocation: The MGU‑K now recovers up to 8 MJ per lap, aligning with the FIA‑mandated 20 MJ energy‑store limit.
- Lasting fuels: Both partners committed to using 100 % SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) in testing, complying with FIA’s carbon‑neutrality targets.
Practical Tips for teams Adopting the RBP‑Ford Power Unit
- Integration checklist: Verify coolant line routing before chassis assembly to avoid heat‑sink conflicts.
- Software updates: Download the latest ECU firmware (v7.2.1) via the Red Bull Powertrains portal; it includes adaptive mapping for varying track elevations.
- Battery management: follow Ford’s recommended charge‑discharge cycle (80 %–30 %) to extend cell lifespan over a 20‑race season.
Real‑World Example: Silverstone FP1 Data
- Lap time: 1:27.834 (RB‑19) vs. 1:28.256 (RB‑18) – a 0.42 s gain.
- Top speed: 332 km/h on the Hangar Straight, 5 km/h faster than the 2025 unit.
- Fuel consumption: 1.04 kg/lap, 3 % lower than projected, confirming efficient combustion.
Case Study: Early Hybrid‑Energy Recovery Success
During a private endurance test at the Nürburgring Nordschleife (nov 2025), the RBP‑Ford PU demonstrated:
- Energy recovery: 7.9 MJ per lap, 95 % of the FIA limit, enabling longer full‑throttle sections.
- Reliability: 1200 km of continuous operation without a single MGU‑K fault, exceeding the 1000 km reliability target set by Red Bull for 2026.
Future Outlook & Next Steps
- 2026‑2028 evolution: Planned incremental upgrades focus on lightweight materials (titanium‑alloy pistons) and AI‑driven predictive torque mapping.
- Expansion to sister teams: Red Bull’s sister outfits,Scuderia AlphaTauri and Rev Team,will receive derivative power units with calibrated performance caps.
- Sustainability roadmap: Joint RBP‑Ford research aims to achieve a 10 % reduction in CO₂ emissions per megajoule of energy produced by 2028 through advanced catalyst designs.
