Work is already in full swing at all engine manufacturers, including Red Bull Powertrains and Ford, for the 2026 season. Ford Motorsport and Ford Performance boss, Mark Rushbrook, mentioned that most internal goals are being met, although hitting all milestones at once is impossible. The competition is tough to gauge, but there is confidence at Mercedes, according to Rushbrook and Christian Horner.
The future of Max Verstappen is a significant aspect for the upcoming year, with speculations linking him to Mercedes and Aston Martin. Rushbrook highlighted Ford’s commitment to the project, emphasizing that it doesn’t rely on one individual, even if Verstappen were to leave the team. The goal is to have the best team, drivers, and people in every race, with a long-term perspective in mind.
While Rushbrook expressed a desire to keep Verstappen in the Red Bull-Ford team, he acknowledged the importance of having a winning team, with or without any specific driver. Understanding Verstappen’s role in the team’s competitiveness, Rushbrook stressed the need to maintain excellence in every aspect of the program. Despite potential changes in the lineup, Ford remains dedicated to the project.
Looking at the bigger picture, as Ford aims to collaborate with top teams in all competitions, the changing dynamics in Formula 1, with Red Bull losing dominance, raises questions about the future partnership between Red Bull and Ford. Rushbrook’s focus is on ensuring success for Red Bull Powertrains-Ford and maintaining competitiveness in both drivers’ and constructors’ championships.
