Ford aiming to take F1 by storm with Red Bull: 'We looked for the best partner'

Ford has asserted that it entered Formula 1 looking for “the best partner” before securing an alliance with Red Bull.

The American organisation was very successful in Formula 1 in the past as in the 1960s, 70s and 80s, the engine manufacturer supplied the engine to teams such as Lotus, Tyrrell and Williams.

Ford won numerous Drivers' and Constructors' Championships, with its most recent dating back to 1994 when Michael Schumacher won the title with Benetton and a Ford engine.

Ford still ranks third among engine manufacturers that have won the most races in F1 as only Ferrari (244) and Mercedes (212) have won more Grands Prix than Ford (176).

It is hoped between Red Bull and Ford that further success will follow from 2026 as it is a cooperation from which much is expected.

"We work very well with Red Bull. They are our partner and our focus is on winning. We want that to be possible and have looked for the best partner," Ford performance director Mark Rushbrook told Motorsport.nl.

In 2026 the regulations for the chassis and engine of F1 cars, among other things, will change.

It's a move being done to make the sport more attractive to new engine manufacturers and to reduce the differences between teams. While the V6 engines will remain, the MGU-H, a system in the engine that converts wasted heat to electrical energy, will disappear.

To make up for this loss, the hybrid power of the MGU-K will be increased to 350 kilowatts, and thus, the power output should remain the same.

But before Red Bull can start competing for wins in 2026 with the Ford/Red Bull Powertrains, a lot of work must be done in the coming years.

“We made quite a bit of progress last year, but in order to be well prepared on the grid in 2026 there is still a lot to be done,” Rushbrook added.