The dawn of a new Formula 1 chapter is on the horizon. On January 15, 2026, Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls will jointly present their new cars with engine partner Ford. The unveiling will take place in Detroit, Ford’s home base, during the American automaker’s annual motorsport event.
For the first time in history, both Red Bull teams are joining forces for a single presentation – a moment that can be immediately described as historic. Red Bull is making its debut as a full-fledged factory team, in close collaboration with Ford. Jim Farley, CEO of Ford Motor Company, emphasizes that the partnership also has significant impact off the track. “Since we announced our return to Formula 1 with Red Bull, the Ford team has been working day and night to be ready for 2026. But this is about much more than just racing. It’s about how we use our experiences from Formula 1 to make our cars and trucks better for our customers. What we learn together with Red Bull will help shape the technologies of the future – and that’s what excites me most about this collaboration.”
Laurent Mekies, team boss of Red Bull, is also eagerly looking forward to the joint launch. “The start of the Red Bull Ford Powertrains era is not only a bold step towards the future, but also a powerful statement of what is possible when world-class engineering, innovation, and passion come together,” says the Frenchman. “The energy, precision, and scale of this project are truly inspiring. It is the result of years of collaboration between two big names in motorsport. We are extremely excited to start this new chapter, driven by the same determination and excellence that characterize both Ford and Red Bull.”
A New Era
The 2026 regulations herald a new era for Formula 1 and bring about drastic changes. The engines will become much more efficient, the hybrid systems more powerful, and sustainable fuels will play a central role. This shifts the focus from pure performance to a combination of power, efficiency, and environmental awareness. For Ford, this is the ideal moment to return to the premier class.
