Hexagon tech powers Red Bull Ford's 2026 F1 engine build

Red Bull Ford Powertrains has outlined how it used Hexagon measurement and inspection systems to build its first Formula 1 powertrain ahead of the 2026 rules overhaul.

The programme brings power unit development in-house at the Red Bull Technology Campus in Milton Keynes, with Ford Racing joining as a technical partner in 2023. Under the new regulations, teams must redesign both the chassis and the power unit, with greater focus on manufacturing consistency as aerodynamics and energy deployment change across the car.

Hexagon's tools covered measurement and verification across design, prototyping and early production. The workflow includes coordinate measuring machines, portable laser scanning and metrology software.

Rules reset

The 2026 regulations reshape the technical package across the grid. Cars are due to be smaller and lighter, with revised aerodynamic surfaces designed to reduce downforce. The front wings are simplified, and the floor no longer features Venturi tunnels, which previously generated significant grip.

At the same time, the new rules increase reliance on electrical energy. That shift adds pressure on packaging and integration, with knock-on effects on the mechanical build and the interface between the chassis and the power unit.

Red Bull Ford Powertrains is targeting very tight tolerances for its new 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid unit. Accuracy at the micron level is important for assembly and validation across thousands of moving parts.

Metrology footprint

Hexagon has worked with Oracle Red Bull Racing for almost 20 years and describes itself as the team's exclusive metrology partner. Its systems are used across both chassis and powertrain workstreams.

At Milton Keynes, Leitz PMM-C Precision coordinate measuring machines are used across manufacturing and build areas and are central to meeting accuracy and repeatability requirements during power unit production.

The companies also use the Leica Absolute Scanner AS1 with an Absolute Arm. The portable system scans the outer surfaces of crankcases and Energy Recovery System installations as part of quality control.

Software is another part of the process. Measurement data is captured in QUINDOS, which Hexagon uses to position complex geometries such as gears and blades. Where required, the data is transferred to Q-DAS for statistical analysis and trending.

The software integration also enables monitoring of CNC machines and provides feedback for corrective action, to keep production within tolerance and reduce rework.

One-campus build

Red Bull Ford Powertrains operates on the same site as the team's chassis operation, which remains within Oracle Red Bull Racing. The co-location brings chassis and power unit work together on a single UK campus.

Across the season, Oracle Red Bull Racing also uses Hexagon equipment for car set-up and assembly, including laser trackers and 3D laser scanning. Hexagon says this supports ongoing aerodynamic refinements during race weekends.

The team makes approximately 30,000 design changes per season, according to the statement. Hexagon also reports that the team previously reduced faults by 50% over 24 months using its technology.

Partner comments

Ben Hodgkinson, Technical Director at Red Bull Ford Powertrains, linked the measurement work to build quality and the scale of the redesign.

"Hexagon's shared passion for extreme accuracy and performance has been vital to this ambitious project."

"With every element built from scratch, Hexagon's metrology expertise has enabled us to achieve the tolerances and the levels of quality we require in a cutting-edge piece of engineering to perform at the top level of motorsport," he said.

"We're very selective about who we work with and never stop pushing the boundaries - striving for that extra millisecond in performance. We know that Hexagon will support us on that ultra-competitive quest," Hodgkinson added.

Emanuel Viklund, President of Hexagon's Portable Metrology Division, said the relationship is deepening within the power unit programme alongside the long-running chassis work.

"Hexagon's portable metrology technologies will ensure the correct car set-up and power unit assembly for the new season vehicles, building on our 19-year partnership with Oracle Red Bull Racing," Viklund said.

"Working with Red Bull Ford Powertrains this season is incredibly exciting for all of us at Hexagon. Together, we have engineered and built a powertrain unit under immense pressure. Designed for peak performance, the DM-01 powertrain is now ready to prove itself on the track. But nothing in F1 stands still-there is always a new challenge to tackle, a fraction of a second to gain, and an opportunity to refine the car to push the limits of precision and performance. We are proud to support them every step of the way," he added.