Ford and Red Bull F1 Debut AM Components

Ford Motor Company has begun testing for its first Formula 1 race in two decades, utilizing innovative technologies like additive manufacturing. Ford Performance Motorsports Powertrain personnel report that around 1,000 complex metal and plastic parts have been designed to endure extreme conditions required in races that average 200 miles per hour.

The team is focused on producing AM components in preparation for its 2026 debut with partner Red Bull Racing. Red Bull representatives note that the AM technology enables Ford to create parts impossible to fabricate using traditional methods, including cold plates for batteries. Ford is leveraging over a century of manufacturing expertise to produce vital components for both the internal combustion engine and hybrid systems.

Every part undergoes rigorous testing for mechanical strength and geometric compliance, including X-ray and CT scans for non-destructive evaluation. This comprehensive approach involves collaboration across various Ford teams, enhancing not only the F1 program but also leading to improvements in consumer models, such as the best-selling F-150 pickup, where advanced scanning can quickly resolve a persistent production issue. Once again, advancements learned on the racetrack usually make their way to consumer vehicles.