The story of Ford's return to Formula 1, from Red Bull's point of view, is well known by now.
The Milton Keynes-based team held lengthy talks with Porsche to develop a works engine for the all-new 2026 power unit regulations, but those ultimately collapsed. The German sports car brand was keen on becoming an equal partner, including shares, but Red Bull feared losing control. And given the involvement of the Volkswagen Group - and its myriad layers of governance - Red Bull was also wary of losing its agile decision making.
