S7E3: Inside the Red Bull Ford 2026 F1 Power Unit – Exclusive Insights from the Engineers
About this episode
Gain exclusive insights into the groundbreaking collaboration between Red Bull and Ford as they develop the new F1 power unit for 2026. Engineers discuss the significant regulatory changes, emphasizing sustainability and efficiency, with a shift to a hybrid system where 50% of power comes from internal combustion and 50% from electrical systems. The episode highlights the challenges and innovations in creating a power unit from scratch, the integration of advanced manufacturing techniques, and the unique partnership dynamics between the fast-paced Red Bull and the methodical Ford team.
In this special episode, we go behind the scenes of one of Formula 1's most ambitious projects: the Red Bull Ford Power Unit for the 2026 season.Join us for exclusive interviews with Ford Performance's Powertrain Chief Engineer Christian Hertrich and Red Bull Powertrains' Powertrain Operations Director Phil Prew.
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F1 initiatives
"I'm super excited to have you here today to learn more about our F1 initiatives and the Red Bull Ford partnership."
F1 initiatives are projects that car companies work on to be part of Formula 1 racing, a very popular and fast type of car racing.
F1 initiatives refer to the efforts and projects undertaken by automotive manufacturers to participate in Formula 1 racing, which is a high-profile motorsport series known for its advanced technology and engineering.
Red Bull Powertrains
"...what we're doing with Red Bull Powertrains and our partnership between Ford and Red Bull Powertrains."
Red Bull Powertrains is a part of the Red Bull Racing team that makes engines for Formula 1 cars, working with companies like Ford.
Red Bull Powertrains is a division of Red Bull Racing that focuses on developing and supplying power units for Formula 1 cars, particularly in collaboration with automotive manufacturers like Ford.
power unit
"...we will be talking about the power unit this morning, but the chassis, the control electronics, the tyres..."
The power unit in a Formula One car is the engine and all the parts that help it run. It includes everything that makes the car go fast and efficient.
In Formula One, the power unit refers to the complete engine system, which includes the internal combustion engine, energy recovery systems, and all associated components that generate power for the car. The power unit is crucial for performance and efficiency.
tyres
"...the chassis, the control electronics, the tyres, pretty much every aspect of the technology has changed..."
Tyres are the rubber parts of a car that touch the ground. In racing, they are made to help the car grip the road better and can change depending on the weather and track conditions.
Tyres are the rubber components that make contact with the road, providing traction and handling for the vehicle. In Formula One, tyres are specially designed for different weather conditions and track surfaces, significantly affecting performance and strategy during races.
chassis
"...but the chassis, the control electronics, the tyres, pretty much every aspect of the technology has changed..."
The chassis is the main frame of a car that holds everything together, like the engine and wheels. In racing, it's designed to help the car move quickly and handle well.
The chassis is the base frame of a vehicle that supports the body and components, including the engine and suspension. In racing, the chassis is designed for optimal aerodynamics and handling to enhance performance on the track.
control electronics
"...the chassis, the control electronics, the tyres, pretty much every aspect of the technology has changed..."
Control electronics are the computer systems in a car that help manage how it works, like controlling the engine and safety features. They are very important for making sure the car runs well during a race.
Control electronics in a vehicle manage various systems, including engine performance, safety features, and driver assistance technologies. In Formula One, these systems are critical for optimizing performance and ensuring reliability during races.
ERS unit
"So the 50% performance, so half the power comes from the internal combustion engine and half of the power comes from the ERS unit."
The ERS unit is a system in racing cars that saves energy when the car slows down. It can use that saved energy later to make the car go faster.
The Energy Recovery System (ERS) unit in Formula One captures and stores energy that would otherwise be lost during braking. This energy can then be used to provide additional power to the car, enhancing performance and efficiency.
sustainability
"Sustainability is a driver for engineering across everything that we do. From the fuel that we're using to power the internal combustion engine..."
Sustainability means making cars in a way that is good for the environment. This includes using less fuel and creating less pollution.
Sustainability in automotive engineering refers to designing and producing vehicles in a way that minimizes environmental impact, focusing on fuel efficiency, emissions reduction, and the use of renewable resources.
internal combustion engine
"...the fuel that we're using to power the internal combustion engine, efficiency of the engine and the power electronics and the batteries..."
An internal combustion engine is a machine that makes cars go by burning fuel inside it. Most cars use this type of engine.
An internal combustion engine (ICE) is a type of engine where fuel is burned inside the engine to create power. It is the traditional engine type found in most gasoline and diesel vehicles.
hybrid system
"...this change to the hybrid system, three times the electrical power that we've had previously. Big opportunities for redesign..."
A hybrid system is when a car uses both a regular engine and an electric motor. This helps the car use less fuel and be better for the environment.
A hybrid system in vehicles combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. It allows for better performance and lower fuel consumption.
Red Bull Racing
"...the bringing together of a chassis team or a full red ball racing and red ball for powertrain."
Red Bull Racing is a team that competes in Formula One races. They are known for making fast cars and winning many races.
Red Bull Racing is a Formula One team known for its competitive performance and innovative engineering. They have won multiple championships and are recognized for their strong technical capabilities.
Ford
"At the same time, this is where Ford come into the equation. Ford were looking to get back into Formula One."
Ford is a well-known car manufacturer from the United States that makes various vehicles and has a history in racing.
Ford is an American multinational automaker known for its long history in motorsports, including Formula One.
Formula One
"Ford were looking to get back into Formula One."
Formula One is a type of car racing that features very fast cars and is held on tracks around the world.
Formula One is the highest class of international auto racing for single-seater formula racing cars, known for its high speeds and advanced technology.
Cosworth
"our partnership with Cosworth in the past 30, 40 years, we saw success."
Cosworth is a company that makes powerful engines and has been involved in racing for many years.
Cosworth is a British automotive engineering company known for its high-performance engines and has a long history in motorsport, particularly in Formula One.
DFV
"So, the DFV, I think everybody's aware of DFV."
DFV is a type of engine that was very successful in Formula One racing and is well-known among racing fans.
The DFV (Double Four Valve) is a famous racing engine designed by Cosworth that was used in Formula One and is known for its performance and success in the sport.
Ferrari
"...Everybody's seeing Ford versus Ferrari, that's the mindset."
Ferrari is a famous Italian car company that makes very fast and expensive sports cars, and they are known for racing.
Ferrari is an Italian luxury sports car manufacturer known for its high-performance vehicles and success in motorsport, particularly in Formula 1.
turbocharger
"So, that's across the turbo charge or the air charging system. That's across the engine, multiple different parts."
A turbocharger helps an engine get more air, which means it can burn more fuel and go faster. It's like giving the engine a boost.
A turbocharger is a device that forces more air into the engine's combustion chamber, allowing it to burn more fuel and produce more power. This results in improved engine performance and efficiency.
MGUK
"The MGUK, which we'll touch on, there's a part that you guys will be able to see."
The MGUK is a part that helps save energy when the car slows down and can give extra power when needed. It's important for making hybrid cars more efficient.
The MGUK, or Motor Generator Unit K, is a component in hybrid and electric vehicles that recovers energy during braking and can also provide additional power to the vehicle. It's part of the vehicle's energy management system.
engine modeling
"So, the first one is engine modeling. So, with the speed at which the team has to deliver and starting from nothing, there's no starting point, right?"
Engine modeling is like creating a computer version of an engine to see how it works. It helps engineers test ideas quickly without building real engines.
Engine modeling refers to the process of creating a digital representation of an engine's performance characteristics and behavior. This allows engineers to simulate various conditions and optimize engine design without the need for physical prototypes.
simulation
"It is legitimately from scratch. So, we have to do this in simulation. The only way to try to level the playing field with the current manufacturers."
Simulation is like using a video game to test how a car would perform in different situations. It helps engineers figure things out without needing to build the actual car first.
Simulation in automotive engineering involves using computer programs to mimic the behavior of vehicles or components under various conditions. This helps teams test and refine designs before physical production.
Porsche 911 GT3
"So, our GT3 program is improving from it. And our GT3 launch hypercar program is using modeling and techniques that we developed with Red Bull..."
The Porsche 911 GT3 is a special version of the Porsche 911 sports car that is designed for racing and high performance. It's known for being very fast and fun to drive on a track.
The Porsche 911 GT3 is a high-performance variant of the iconic 911 sports car, known for its track-focused design and engineering. It features a naturally aspirated engine and is celebrated for its handling and driving dynamics.
hypercar
"...our GT3 launch hypercar program is using modeling and techniques that we developed with Red Bull, to then form the basis of our hypercar program."
A hypercar is an extremely fast and powerful car that is often very expensive and made in limited numbers. They use the latest technology to achieve high speeds and performance.
A hypercar is a high-performance vehicle that represents the pinnacle of automotive engineering, often featuring cutting-edge technology, extreme speed, and limited production numbers. These cars typically offer unparalleled performance and luxury.
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