P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Detail into the key role Max Verstappen is having on the Red Bull-Ford engine project for F1 2026
Ford has highlighted Max Verstappen’s crucial role in Red Bull’s 2026 engine project and praised the stability he brings to the team. Verstappen confirmed he will stay with Red Bull for the 2026 season before the Hungarian Grand Prix, ending speculation about a potential move to Mercedes. Mercedes has not yet confirmed their drivers for next year, with George Russell or Kimi Antonelli as potential candidates. Toto Wolff courted Verstappen as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton, but Verstappen’s commitment to Red Bull for 2026 is now confirmed. The collaboration between Red Bull Powertrains and Ford will see Red Bull racing with their own engine in 2026, with Ford CEO Jim Farley stressing Verstappen’s importance to the team’s success. Laurent Mekies, current Red Bull team principal, highlighted Verstappen’s significant contributions to the project both behind the scenes and in the development of the 2026 car.
