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Ford Says Red Bull’s 2026 F1 Engine Hits Targets Ahead of First Track Test

Drivability now dominates with the in-house Red BullFord unit nearing closed Barcelona running under F1’s new hybrid rules.

Overview

  • Ford’s Mark Rushbrook says the Red BullFord power unit is on plan and has met internal goals set at the start of the programme.
  • Recent development has shifted to calibration and drivability, with work split across software, lab benches and driver-in-the-loop simulators.
  • The first on-track validation is slated for next month’s private winter test in Barcelona, which Ford views as the decisive integration check.
  • Max Verstappen says the Red BullFord engine sounded “crisp” on the dyno, though no public audio has been released by the team.
  • Red Bull acknowledges a possible slight ICE shortfall versus legacy manufacturers, with the FIA’s ADUO mechanism available to aid any confirmed lag.