The collaboration between Ford Motor Company and Red Bull Racing extends beyond mere branding, involving a significant exchange of knowledge and components. This partnership has seen engineers from both sides working closely, with Ford employees stationed in Milton Keynes and Red Bull staff commuting to Detroit.
However, the relationship has faced challenges, as illustrated by an incident in 2022 involving a valuable turbocharger component. S.
Customs and Border Protection confiscated the item. Ford's powertrain chief engineer, Christian Hertrich, recounted this experience, emphasizing the pressures and demands of working with a top-tier F1 team.
The urgency of the situation was heightened by an imminent FIA-mandated summer shutdown, which limited the time available for testing the turbocharger. Hertrich reflected on the fast-paced nature of Formula 1, noting that the need for quick solutions often leads to unexpected scenarios like this one.
While the incident may seem amusing in hindsight, it underscored the complexities involved in international collaboration within the motorsport industry. It serves as a reminder of the meticulous planning required when transporting high-value components across borders, particularly in a field as competitive as Formula 1.
