After two world championships in a row, Red Bull is dreaming big and presented the new 2023 single-seater, the RB19, in New York. A unique location, which on this occasion has also been transformed into the perfect square to formalize the collaboration with a prestigious American brand that has written history in the world of engines. A brand ready to return to Formula 1 after an absence of more than 20 years.
Here is the RB19
As expected, we have no technical details to show of the heir to the RB18, which will be called upon to defend the double drivers' and constructors' title obtained last year, thanks to Max Verstappen e Sergio Perez. This is because for some years the presentations, spread over an entire month before the pre-season tests, have turned into real shows aimed at capturing the public, highlighting sponsors and liveries. A first, more commercial taste of what's on the skin of the single-seaters and which cannot give information to rivals.
La Haas first presented the livery of the 2023 single-seater, the VF-23 a few days ago, on January 31st. Also in that case, since it was a graphic reconstruction, the only thing we could judge and observe was the chromatic choice linked to the new title sponsor MoneyGram. In the case of Red Bull, the choice has not differed from that of recent years. Same colours, same shades, more or less same sponsors – albeit some in different positions. Difficult to find differences with the RB18, the first of the "new era". A single-seater that already has the word "winning" imprinted in its DNA and that we are curious to see on the track, with the technical differences for the 2023 season. The new single-seater was presented in front of the full team, including the third driver Daniel Ricardo.
But let's come to perhaps the most awaited and talked about news of the day, as well as of the last few weeks. The return of Ford, and the combination with Red Bull PowerTrains as a strategic partnership for 2026.
From 2026 the union with Ford
After various previews – in particular fromHandle who yesterday unexpectedly released the press release relating to the agreement – later justifying himself, saying that it had been a mistake, theofficial: Ford in 2026 he will join Red Bull, as the new "Red Bull Ford PowerTrains" engineer, taking part in the technical revolution that will take place in that season. The Austrian team, with its Red Bull PowerTrains division set up to build its first engine, has offered a cost-effective path to Ford, which has long been interested in returning to the top class after leaving in 2004. The 2026 engine regulation, which 100% sustainable biofuels and an increase in the electric component represented an opportunity for several prestigious brands in the automotive sector.
Furthermore, Formula 1 sees its future in the US market. In 2023 there will be 3 races on American soil, not to mention the growth of interest in the stars and stripes public. All fruit of the work of Liberty Medium which has held the commercial rights to the category since 2017.
The collaboration with Ford comes after an initial failure with Porsche. The negotiations between the Austrian team and the German brand had continued to make the signing seem like just a formality. But one discussion on participation in the running of the team he put an end to the talks, leaving Porsche out of the Circus, at least for the moment. The deal with Ford, which will offer financing and technical contributions in exchange for the naming rights, will also cover Red Bull's satellite team, AlphaTauri. Both teams will have Ford-branded engines and will continue to use Honda ones until 2025.
Horner's words
"It's great to welcome Ford back to F1 through this partnership – said Christian Horner, Red Bull Team Principal and CEO of Oracle Red Bull Racing. “As an independent engine manufacturer, being able to benefit from the experience of a giant like Ford puts us in a good position against the competition. Ford is a manufacturer steeped in automotive history spanning generations, ranging from Jim Clark to Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher and for us, as Red Bull Powertrains to open the next chapter in that dynasty, as Red Bull Ford, is tremendously exciting. 2026 is still a bit far off, but for us the work starts now".
The return to F1
"An exciting new chapter in Ford's motoring history that began when my great-grandfather won a race that helped launch our company“. With this image the executive chairman Bill Ford commented the return to the top category. Ad done just before the Red Bull presentation. “Ford joins world champions Red Bull to return to the top of the sport, bringing its long tradition of innovation, sustainability and electrification to one of the most visible places in the world".
“Ford is returning to the pinnacle of the sport, bringing its long tradition of innovation, sustainability and electrification to one of the most visible stages in the world“. In its world championship history, Ford boasts 13 Drivers' titles and 10 Constructors' titles as an engineer. The most recent victories were scored by Michael Schumacher, with Benetton in '94.
La news was also welcomed with great enthusiasm by Stefano Domenicali, who declared: “Today's news that Ford will be arriving in Formula 1 from 2026 is fantastic for the sport and we are thrilled to see them join the incredible automotive partners already in Formula 1.” and from the president of the FIA, Ben Sulayem: “There are few manufacturers that have as celebrated a history in motorsport as Ford, so seeing them return to the FIA Formula 1 World Championship is great news. It further underscores the success of the 2026 Power Unit Regulations which have a commitment to both sustainability and spectacle at their core, and obviously having more interest from the US is important for the continued growth of the world's top motorsport category“. Ford and Audi are the first two brands to follow suit. Possible, indeed highly probable that they will not be the last.
Source statements: Journal of Sport
