Jim Farley, CEO of Ford, is satisfied with the transfer of knowledge between the American brand and Red Bull Racing. Ford is currently using drag racing technology to support the Milton Keynes team with its 2026 engine electrical systems. While Farley agrees there is still a lot of work to be done to deliver a competitive powerplant, the CEO is also satisfied with the progress that has been made.
Milton Keynes is currently working hard on several facets. The Formula 1 team is focusing on the upcoming season and Red Bull Powertrains is working hard to develop the engine for the 2026 season. The Austrian racing team does this with the help of Ford, which is back in the premier class of motorsport for the first time since 2004. Both parties use this collaboration to exchange different technologies with each other.
It is an interesting collaboration for Ford, as the brand is active in several racing classes. However, the brand could no longer ignore Formula 1. ‘We are going back to Formula 1 in a way that we have not done in the past. It turns out that the best aerodynamics are in Formula 1, as well as the best telemetry and the best digital diagnostics,” says Farley at Speedcafe. “This isn’t like owning our own team; we literally go there to transfer technology.”
Red Bull can especially use Ford’s knowledge of the engine’s electrical systems. The share of the MGU-K is going up considerably. Ford uses knowledge from drag racing series. ‘By 2026, the share of electric systems will go to approximately fifty percent electric – we have that in the NHRA, for example. On the other hand, we can get telemetry, digital diagnostics and also aerodynamics, which we can apply to our electric car production to make the battery smaller.”
Ford also happy with Red Bull Powertrains’ progress
Christian Horner indicated in a recent interview that Red Bull Powertrains still has a long way to go. However, all parties involved are happy with the collaboration and the progress that is being made. ‘I had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with the team in Milton Keynes and with Adrian Newey. I think we are on the right track. While 2026 sounds like it’s a long way away, we still have a lot of work to do on the powertrain, but I’m really pleased with the progress,” said Farley.
