Horner Unveils Timeline as Red Bull-Ford Collaboration Begins

Red Bull and Ford collaborate on new F1 power units, with Horner detailing the first test set for early 2026.

Christian Horner has revealed the date when fans will get their first on-track glimpse of the Red Bull-Ford collaboration in 2026.

After years of partnership with Honda, Red Bull is, for the first time, developing its own engine through its newly established Powertrains division in Milton Keynes.

American giant Ford plays a key role in producing electrical components.

“Ford’s return to F1 is incredible,” he said during the Ford Performance event on Friday.

“We’re truly proud to bring Ford back to Formula 1 and see the oval logo return to our cars.”

Horner then outlined a timeline for the start of F1 testing next year. To ease the introduction of the new power units, F1 confirmed last year that there will be three three-day test sessions before the 2026 season, starting in Spain rather than Bahrain.

“We should begin in late January or early February. We’re still discussing it. It will be truly special to see, around this time next year, Red Bull Ford Powertrains powering two teams in the pit lane. And it will be in Barcelona, close to home. We have 48 weeks left to make this first engine powerful and reliable.”

How is the collaboration with Ford going?

“The passion and determination we’re seeing within Ford are inspiring. Everything we’ve asked for has never been too much. For us, it’s incredibly exciting.”

“We’re going up against tough competitors. We’re facing Ferrari, Mercedes, Honda. And GM is coming! So, it’s going to be an intense competition, and ultimately, it will largely come down to the people. We are very impressed with everyone we meet and work with at Ford.”

Jim Farley, President and CEO of Ford Motor Company, is also aware of the pressure ahead.

“There’s going to be enormous pressure. Everyone is counting on Ford. Coming back to Formula 1 after all these years is a great and exciting moment. But we have to win with a team like Red Bull Racing, right? That’s where the pressure will come from.”

“Formula 1 is our chance to showcase Ford technologies on the global stage to an entirely new audience, creating excitement for the iconic brand we have worldwide. This is an exciting chapter in Ford’s history. Over the past 20 years, Red Bull has managed to reshape the F1 landscape by being committed to doing things differently—a philosophy strongly reflected in the Red Bull Ford Powertrains partnership.”