Ford has warned that its F1 partnership with Red Bull will not involve a “bottomless” cash pit, and the Blue Oval pledged to spend “responsibly” for its targets.
Last week, Red Bull and Ford announced a merger that will see the American auto giant return to Grand Prix racing for the first time in more than 20 years.
The alliance, which will begin in 2026 with the entry into force of the new sports powertrain rules, will include a branding scheme, but Ford will also contribute technically to the development of Red Bull Powertrains’ long-endurance engine, with a contingent of its engineers on site in Milton Keynes.
Given Ford’s immense resources, Ford Performance Motorsports boss Mark Rushbrook asked if the company had a “bottomless” money pit to devote to Formula 1.
“Certainly bottomless, I can attest to that,” Rushbrook said. “I think we race responsibly in every other series we’re involved in.
“We don’t have an unlimited budget, as much as the race needs you to move in that direction.
“We strategically interfere with the right partners to win races, but also with a budget. “
While Ford spends too much, the automaker intends to make the most of its F1 partnership with Red Bull in terms of marketing.
“I think this, as an overlay or an additional program, is very special in terms of genuine opportunities and advantages for our company’s marketing team, to leverage motorsport in a way we haven’t had in a long time. Rushbrook said.
Ahead of the start of their collaboration with Ford in 2026, Red Bull and AlphaTauri will continue to be powered by Honda.
However, team boss Christian Horner said a “clear Chinese wall” had been erected between Honda and Red Bull Powertrains to ensure there is no crossover of intellectual assets from Japan to Milton Keynes that can take advantage of Red Bull and Ford.
“It is clear that there is a Chinese wall between the two activities, yet we will be working with Honda over the next few years to achieve the most productive results imaginable,” Horner said.
“They’re fully committed, so it’s very simple, and the relationship with Honda ends at the end of 2025. “
“We have an approved engine, so it’s frozen. “
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