Ford tempers expectations over new Red Bull F1 car

Ford global director Mark Rushbrook has downplayed expectations regarding Red Bull's new car for the 2026 season.

The F1 challengers are going through significant change this year with new aerodynamic and power unit rules coming into play.

Ford has entered a technical partnership with Red Bull Powertrains - and as Rushbrook explained, its input has extended beyond its original goal of assisting with the battery element of the power unit.

“When we arrived, we said that Ford wanted to focus on the electric side,” Rushbrook told Marca. 

“And that's where we've put our main focus. 

“But beyond that, we've been able to contribute our expertise in controls and calibration to combine the combustion engine with electrification. 

“We can manufacture components at our facility, some also for the combustion engine. 

“Management is in Milton Keynes, but we've made available all the resources we can contribute.”

Early rumours have suggested that Mercedes and Red Bull have uncovered a trick in the power unit, relating to the compression ratio, which could see it enter the new season with an advantage.

However, Rushbrook asserted that one strong element of the car does not directly translate into on-track pace.

When the rumoured engine advantage was put to him, Rushbrook said: “We'll see. “There are so many pieces needed for success.

“A great car, a great engine that performs well both thermally and electrically, reliability, calibration... having an advantage in one area doesn't mean you have an advantage in everything. 

“There are many opportunities, and you have to make the whole engine work together.”