Hadjar's F1 Crash Stalls Ford-Backed Red Bull

Ford's $50B EV push hangs over 2026 Formula 1 start

Jan. 29, 2026 at 6:47am

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A high-speed crash involving Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar has dealt a setback to the Formula 1 team's preparations for the 2026 season, when Ford is set to make a major return to the sport as a power unit supplier for Red Bull. The crash has raised concerns about the reliability of the new Ford-backed power units as the automaker looks to make a $50 billion investment in electric vehicles ahead of its F1 comeback.

Why it matters

Red Bull's partnership with Ford is seen as a critical part of the automaker's strategy to establish itself as a major player in the electric vehicle market, with the high-profile Formula 1 platform providing valuable technology and marketing opportunities. The crash has raised questions about whether Ford's engineering and development work will be ready in time for the 2026 season.

The details

Hadjar, a 22-year-old French driver, lost control of his Red Bull car at high speed during pre-season testing in Bahrain, crashing heavily into the barriers. The incident caused significant damage to the car and has forced Red Bull to divert resources away from other development work to repair the vehicle.

  • The crash occurred during pre-season testing in Bahrain on January 27, 2026.
  • Ford is set to return to Formula 1 as a power unit supplier for Red Bull in the 2026 season.

The players

Isack Hadjar

A 22-year-old French driver competing for the Red Bull Formula 1 team.

Red Bull

The Formula 1 team that has partnered with Ford for the 2026 season.

Ford

The American automaker making a $50 billion investment in electric vehicles and returning to Formula 1 as a power unit supplier for Red Bull in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“This crash is a setback, but we remain confident in our ability to deliver a competitive power unit for the 2026 season.”

— Hau Thai-Tang, Chief Product Platform and Operations Officer, Ford (Motorsport.com)

What’s next

Red Bull and Ford will need to thoroughly investigate the cause of the crash and ensure the reliability of the new power unit ahead of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Ford's high-stakes return to Formula 1 has hit an early obstacle, underscoring the challenges the automaker faces in developing a competitive electric powertrain in time for the 2026 season as it seeks to establish itself as a major player in the EV market.