Red Bull Ford Powertrains Utilizes Hexagon Technology For Formula One Success

To succeed under the demanding 2026 Formula 1 regulations, Red Bull Ford Powertrains has integrated advanced measurement technology to differentiate itself from established engine manufacturers. By developing its first-ever in-house power unit, the team is utilizing specialized tools to bridge the experience gap and ensure performance that meets the sport's new sustainability and efficiency standards.

Achieving Sub-Micron Precision in Engine Manufacturing
The 2026 regulations shift the focus toward increased electrical power and sustainable fuels, requiring a complete redesign of the internal combustion engine and hybrid systems. To maintain a competitive advantage, the team employs ultra-high accuracy coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) and 3D laser scanners. These tools allow engineers to achieve sub-micron tolerances during the manufacture and assembly of complex components such as gears and blades. This level of precision is critical for the DM-01 powertrain, ensuring that every part functions perfectly at the first attempt, which maximizes both engine reliability and performance.

Accelerating Development Through Digitalization
In the high-speed environment of F1, the ability to iterate designs faster than competitors is a primary differentiator. The integration of advanced metrology software allows for the creation of up-to-date 3D digital models, which are used to verify geometries instantly. This digitalization process supports a rapid development cycle, enabling the team to handle thousands of design changes per season. By capturing data at high speeds, the team can refine aerodynamic components and power unit integration with a level of agility that was previously impossible with manual inspection methods.

Optimizing Productivity Within Regulatory Constraints
Beyond technical performance, this technology provides a strategic advantage regarding the FIA engine cost cap. By utilizing high-precision scanning and automated quality inspection, Red Bull Ford Powertrains has significantly reduced manufacturing faults—historically by up to 50%. This "first-time-right" approach minimizes waste and prevents costly re-work, allowing the team to allocate its financial resources more effectively toward innovation rather than error correction.

Ensuring Performance Consistency on the Track
The competitive edge extends from the factory to the circuit. Portable laser trackers and scanning solutions are used trackside to validate car setups and ensure the power unit is assembled with absolute accuracy before every race. This ensures that the physical vehicle remains perfectly aligned with the engineers’ digital blueprints, allowing the team to extract maximum performance from the chassis and powertrain under various racing conditions.

www.hexagon.com