Photo: Red Bull Content PoolAdvanced measurement technologies from
Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence have been ‘instrumental in the development and production’ of the first-ever powertrain produced by
Red Bull Ford Powertrains, ready for the ‘dramatic rule changes’ for chassis and engines governing the 2026 Formula One (F1) season.
Red Bull Ford Powertrains has used Hexagon’s ultra-high-accuracy coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), 3-D laser scanners, and software to achieve the sub-micron tolerances necessary for the manufacture, testing and assembly of its entirely new high-performance 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid powertrain.
While the new rules increase reliance on electrical energy, altered aerodynamics and changes to wings will produce less downforce, placing new performance demands on the car’s power unit. The front wings are simplified, while the undersides of cars have lost Venturi tunnels that generated a huge amount of grip.
To meet these new rules, it was in 2021 that Red Bull decided to build its own powertrain from scratch at the Red Bull Technology Campus in Milton Keynes; in 2023, the company welcomed Ford Racing on board as technical partner to become Red Bull Ford Powertrains (Oracle Red Bull Racing remains responsible for production of the chassis and the significant alterations necessary for race compliance in 2026).
High-precision metrology technologiesFrom the start of engine production four years ago, Hexagon’s high-precision metrology technologies — including the Leitz PMM-C Precision CMM and Leica Absolute Scanner AS1 — have been integral to achieving the micron tolerances required to deliver the race-ready power unit on time.
The Leitz PMM-C CMMs are used right across the manufacturing and build areas and are the only equipment capable of dealing with the accuracy, repeatability, and flexibility that Red Bull Ford Powertrains requires in power unit manufacture. Meanwhile, the portable AS1 3D scanner is used with an Absolute Arm to scan the outer surfaces of the power unit’s crankcases and Energy Recovery System (ERS) installations for quality control.
Ben Hodgkinson, technical director of Red Bull Ford Powertrains, said: “The RB22 is the only car on the grid to have its chassis and power unit designed and built on the same campus in the UK. The accuracy of the Hexagon technologies ensures unmatched productivity while helping Red Bull Ford Powertrains stay within the new engine cost cap imposed by this year’s regulations.
Moreover, Oracle Red Bull Racing also uses Hexagon technology; this includes laser trackers, to ensure the extreme accuracy of set-up and power unit assembly for the new vehicles during the racing season.”
More information about Hexagon, Oracle Red Bull Racing and Red Bull Ford Powertrains can be found at the website:
here