#Japan #Hexagon #Red Bull Racing #Milton Keynes #F1 Powertrains

Partnership in Precision: Red Bull Ford Powertrains and Hexagon

Red Bull Ford Powertrains is gearing up for the intense challenges of the 2026 Formula 1™ season, which will introduce groundbreaking new regulations. The partnership with Hexagon, a global leader in metrology solutions based in Sweden, aims to enhance the performance and reliability of their first-ever in-house F1 power unit. This collaboration has been pivotal in the development of the new 1.6L turbo hybrid power unit, addressing the critical precision needed in automotive engineering.

A New Era of F1 Regulations

The impending 2026 season will feature significant technical changes, including a complete overhaul of chassis structures, aerodynamics, energy recovery systems, and power unit specifications. These modifications are designed to improve vehicle performance, competitiveness, safety, and sustainability. In response to these demanding requirements, Red Bull Ford Powertrains initiated a project in 2021 to develop an F1™ powertrain from scratch at their Milton Keynes base. The 2023 entry of Ford Racing as a technical partner has further strengthened their development capabilities.

Cutting-Edge Measurement Technology at Work

Hexagon's advanced metrology tools are critical in ensuring the high accuracy and quality needed in every stage of the development process. The integration of their precision measuring machines, such as the Leitz PMM-C Precision CMM and the Leica Absolute Scanner AS1, allows for stringent quality assurance throughout manufacturing, testing, and assembly processes.

• - Precision Manufacturing: The ability to repeatedly measure thousands of components ensures that each part meets the exact specifications required for high-performance racing.
• - Design Adaptability: With a digital measurement infrastructure capable of accommodating up to 30,000 design changes per season, the team can respond swiftly to evolving track conditions and competitive strategies.
• - Visual Inspection: 3D laser scanning technology is employed to verify the appearance of chassis and energy recovery system components, ensuring they meet aesthetic and functional standards.

Through the collaboration, Hexagon supports the entire quality assurance process for both the chassis and powertrain, solidifying their role as an indispensable technical partner for Red Bull Racing.

Commitment to Excellence

Ben Hodgkinson, Technical Director at Red Bull Ford Powertrains, underscores the importance of Hexagon’s commitment to precision. He states, “Our pursuit of extreme accuracy is crucial for the success of this project. Hexagon's metrology technology has helped us ensure the necessary tolerances and quality. We are constantly fighting to shave off milliseconds in our lap times, and Hexagon is our best ally in that battle.”

Emanuel Viklund, President of Hexagon's Portable Metrology Division, expressed pride in collaborating with Red Bull Ford Powertrains on this ambitious project. He mentioned, “The power unit is designed to perform in highly challenging environments, ready to demonstrate its capabilities on the track. F1™ is a domain of relentless evolution, and Hexagon will continue to support Oracle Red Bull Racing in facing the challenges that demand accuracy and speed.”

Hexagon: The Leader in Measurement Technology

Founded with a vision to provide reliable measurements, Hexagon operates in diverse industries ranging from manufacturing and construction to autonomous systems. With a workforce of around 24,800 employees in 50 countries and revenues approximating €5.4 billion, Hexagon is dedicated to enhancing productivity, quality, safety, and sustainability. Their solutions range from micron-level precision measurements to large-scale explorations in space.

To stay updated with cutting-edge technology insights, readers are encouraged to explore the Hexagon Tech Bee, a media platform that highlights advancements in manufacturing technologies. Visit hexagon.com for more information.