F1 Rumour: Red Bull Ford Partnership Leaked To Italian Media

According to reports, the Red Bull and Ford partnership has been leaked to Italian media.

It has been rumoured that Red Bull will be announcing a partnership with Ford from 2026 at their RB19 reveal event tomorrow (February 3). According to BBC Sports F1 reporter, Andrew Benson, confirmation of this has been leaked to Italian Media. 

Benson posted to Twitter:

"Red Bull's prospective engine deal with Ford has leaked in the Italian media. The two will join forces as partners for the 2026 engine regulations, it is understood. Red Bull's 2023 season launch is in New York on Friday. No comment from Red Bull"

Red Bull's prospective engine deal with Ford has leaked in the Italian media. The two will join forces as partners for the 2026 engine regulations, it is understood. Red Bull's 2023 season launch is in New York on Friday. No comment from Red Bull

— Andrew Benson (@andrewbensonf1) February 2, 2023

The Austrian team have expressed an interest in building their own power units from the 2026 season but are looking to bring on a technical partner. Rumours started about Ford when information was leaked the American company were sending some representatives to New York City at the same time Red Bull are there to reveal the 2023 car. 

Ford motorsport boss, Mark Rushbrook, was quizzed on the rumours recently and didn't exactly deny it. He said:

"Formula 1 is strong and growing, both in the United States and worldwide.

“They have great races, a great competition and they have managed to reach new target groups with things like Drive to Survive.

“We do not comment on speculation, but this is the case with all series that exist.

“It is our responsibility to study and understand them, and then decide whether it makes sense or not.”

The Red Bull event is at 2pm (GMT) on Friday 3 February and can be viewed via the teams app or Red Bull TV. It is expected that team principal, Christian Horner, and drivers' Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez will be involved. It now seems more likely that a Ford representative will be at the event to confirm the 2026 partnership.