Red Bull and Racing Bulls have announced that the 2026 season will begin on January 15th at Ford’s home base in Detroit.
The first confirmed start date for the new era of regulations will see the two Red Bull-owned teams team up to reveal their 2026 livery alongside Ford Racing. Red Bull will partner with Ford to produce its own power unit for the first time next year, starting a new era in Michigan before pre-season testing begins at the end of January.
“Ever since we announced our return to F1 with Red Bull, the Ford team has been working day and night to prepare for 2026,” said Jim Farley, president and CEO of Ford. “But this is more than just racing. It’s about how we use what we learn from F1 to make cars and tracks better for our customers. What we learn together with Red Bull will define future technology, and that’s what excites me most about this relationship.”
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies said the event was an important opportunity to demonstrate the importance of the partnership with Ford.
“The beginning of the Red Bull Ford Powertrain era is not only a bold step into the future, but a powerful expression of what’s possible when world-class engineering, innovation and passion come together,” Mekies said.
“It’s exciting to see the energy, precision and scale behind this project. This is the culmination of a multi-year collaboration between two of the greatest names in motorsport. We’re thrilled to begin this new chapter, driven by the same determination and excellence that defines both Ford and Red Bull.”
Red Bull last started a season in the United States in New York in 2023, and Racing Bulls started a similar season in Las Vegas a year later.
Racing Bulls CEO Peter Beyer said: “We are very excited to welcome Ford back to the world of Formula 1. “With more than 125 years of heritage, innovation and an absolute dedication to performance, Ford embodies the same competitive spirit that drives our teams. This partnership brings together global brands united by a love of racing and a commitment to pushing boundaries.”
“As part of the Red Bull family and with title partners Visa and Cash App, we believe we have a tremendous opportunity to join forces to connect with a new generation of fans and showcase the future of performance and mobility on a global stage. Starting this new era in Detroit, the birthplace of Ford, makes it even more special.”
