Red Bull Ford Powertrains has revealed how advanced measurement technologies from metrology partner Hexagon have been integral to the development of its first F1 powertrain.
The super-high-performance powertrain has been built to meet the new demanding 2026 F1 regulations for smaller, lighter, more nimble cars and increased on-track competitiveness. As the exclusive metrology partner, Hexagon’s support of Oracle Red Bull Racing and Red Bull Ford Powertrains covers the whole car, chassis and engine, enabling trackside refinements and up to 30,000 car design changes per season. Using coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), 3D laser scanners and software, Hexagon helped achieve the sub-micron tolerances required for manufacturing, testing and assembling the V6 turbo hybrid powertrain.
While the new rules increase reliance on electrical energy, altered aerodynamics and changes to wings will produce less downforce, placing 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.
Metrology technologies
Since the start of engine production four years ago, Hexagon has provided high-precision metrology technologies – including the Leitz PMM-C Precision CMM and Leica Absolute Scanner AS1. According to Hexagon, these technologies have accelerated testing and inspection throughout R&D, from prototyping and test-rig evaluation to full production at Red Bull Ford Powertrains’ Milton Keynes facility.
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. 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.
“Hexagon’s shared passion for extreme accuracy and performance has been vital to this ambitious project,” said Ben Hodgkinson, technical director, Red Bull Ford Powertrains. “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. 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.”
Digitalization
Hexagon has helped Red Bull Ford Powertrains integrate quality inspection and digital 3D models into its engineering processes. Measurement data is captured in QUINDOS, Hexagon’s metrology software for complex geometries such as gears and blades, and, where needed, transferred to Q-DAS for statistical trend analysis. This integrated approach enables CNC machine monitoring and provides corrective feedback to ensure components are manufactured correctly the first time.
Oracle Red Bull Racing, which develops the chassis, also uses Hexagon technology. Continuing a 19-year partnership, it uses Hexagon technology, such as laser trackers, to ensure precise setup and power unit assembly for new vehicles throughout the racing season. Hexagon’s 3D laser scanning and trackside support are vital for ongoing aerodynamic refinements, providing the precision needed to maximize performance on every race weekend. The Oracle Red Bull Racing team has previously reduced faults by 50% using Hexagon technology over a 24-month period.
“Hexagon’s portable metrology technologies will ensure the correct car setup and power unit assembly for the new season vehicles, building on our 19-year partnership with Oracle Red Bull Racing,” commented Emanuel Viklund, president of the portable metrology division at Hexagon.
“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.”
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