Mercedes has long been regarded as a powertrain powerhouse in Formula 1, giving the German automaker a decisive advantage over its competitors. With the team’s confidence in its engine production, Mercedes has been able to shift its focus solely to refining its racing dynamics. However, the landscape could change significantly with the upcoming power unit regulations set for 2026.
One of the biggest challengers in this new era is Red Bull, which has partnered with Ford to create high-end engines. The return of Ford, symbolized by the iconic blue oval, may disrupt the current power unit hierarchy. Yet, Red Bull will face stiff competition from Mercedes as the Silver Arrows continue to dominate the manufacturing space. Ferrari will also be close behind, intensifying the race for supremacy. Interestingly, Helmut Marko recently revealed that there was once the possibility of a Red Bull-Mercedes collaboration during the hybrid era. Despite the initial discussions, the deal never moved past the preliminary stages.
Toto Wolff Used VETO To Cancel Red Bull-Mercedes Partnership
Mercedes and Red Bull may be fierce rivals on the track, with their off-track exchanges equally intense, but they once came close to striking a powertrain deal. When the turbo-hybrid era kicked off, Mercedes surged ahead, dominating the sport and claiming consecutive world titles. In contrast, despite finishing second in the 2014 Constructors’ Championship, Red Bull became increasingly frustrated with Renault, its engine supplier. Still, the team opted to stay with Renault for another three seasons despite mounting tensions. At one point, Red Bull’s Helmut Marko had convinced team owner Dietrich Mateschitz to consider a power unit deal with Mercedes. Through Niki Lauda—then Mercedes’ non-executive chairman—the two sides drafted a potential agreement. However, as Marko later revealed, friction with Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff quickly ended the talks.
During an episode of the Inside Line podcast, Marko explained that Mateschitz was never particularly fond of Mercedes, but he had been persuaded to entertain the idea. Ultimately, though, Wolff’s lack of support meant the deal never went forward. This rejection prompted Red Bull to turn its attention to Honda, a Japanese manufacturer struggling at the time with McLaren.
With Renault failing to keep up with the new hybrid regulations and Honda faltering, Red Bull took a gamble and signed a deal with Honda in 2019. According to Marko, though, it wasn’t really a gamble—he had faith in Honda’s commitment to building a competitive engine. He emphasized that Red Bull thrives on bold decisions, believing risk adds to the excitement. That decision ultimately proved to be a stroke of genius, as Honda-powered Red Bull cars delivered consecutive world titles, marking a new era of success for the team.
Red Bull-Ford Partnership: The New Era Of Powertrain
Red Bull is set to take its ambitions further by producing its own power units, thanks to a new collaboration with Ford. Together, they will develop engines for the main Red Bull team and its sister outfit. While Red Bull lacks the background of an established engine manufacturer, Ford’s wealth of expertise will be a key asset. If the partnership runs smoothly, it could become another brilliant move for the team, setting them up for future success.
