Ford Performance Motorsports Powertrain manager Christian Hertrich has expanded on the marque’s involvement in the Red Bull Formula 1 engine project.
Last February, Ford announced it would partner with Red Bull on the Milton Keynes-based outfit’s new F1 powertrains division.
What at first may have been construed as a mere badging exercise has become so much more than that with Ford providing an array of expertise to the project.
Speaking at a Ford Performance event, Hertrich spoke more on the Blue Oval’s involvement with Red Bull.
“A lot of our responsibility has become the main manufacturing of additively produced parts [3D printing],” he said.
“They’re very complicated, the geometry is very complicated.
“We make estimates for how long it’s going to take to deliver something you hit challenges that you don’t expect and you have to react.”
It’s reported that Ford has produced approximately 1000 parts for Red Bull, conducting 3D scanning for mechanical strength, hardness and geometric compliance.
“It’s not things like nuts and bolts and easy stuff,” said Hertrich.
“These are complex metal and polymer parts that get tested to extremes so they can withstand races that average 200 miles an hour.
“Everything is Aerospace level you’re treating each part like life or death.”
Ford making company-wide effort for Red Bull F1 venture
Ford’s efforts in motorsport are global and varying, from its Mustang GT3 project to entering the 2025 Dakar.
Its portfolio has expanded with the Red Bull powertrains division and Hertirch has said a wide-ranging effort at Ford is going into the F1 project.
“We’re pulling in all of these Ford teams with all of these areas of expertise to help in the programme,” Hertrich said.
“It’s not just the motorsport group working on this.
“It’s amazing to see how many different areas of the company have already been involved.”
Ford’s involvement in F1 comes at a time when the power unit regulations are changing.
F1 is retaining the 1.6-litre turbo V6 internal combustion engine, which will go without the MGU-H system but incorporate sustainable fuels.
Beyond this, the electrical component will provide more power in the hybrid system.
The regulation changes have tempted the likes of Ford, Honda, Audi and Cadillac as automotive manufacturers seek to leverage learnings from F1 for the road market.
Moreover, F1’s rapid rise in global popularity has made the series a popular marketing tool for brands and manufacturers alike.
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