The result was crucial for all concerned following a difficult start to the season.
Ford Racing boss Mark Rushbrook expressed his delight at the organization’s first podium alongside Red Bull, as Max Verstappen secured a top three finish in the grand prix. Despite a challenging start to the season with new regulations, Verstappen claimed third place in Canada, sharing the podium with Kimi Antonelli and Lewis Hamilton. This marked a significant milestone for the team, competing with its own power unit this year, supported technically by Ford Racing following a partnership that began in 2022 with a phone call to Red Bull. Rushbrook emphasized the significance of Verstappen’s podium in the Red Bull Ford Powertrains era as a testament to the joint efforts of both teams.
The preparation for the 2026 season was hailed as remarkable, with a well-deserved outcome reflecting the dedication of Red Bull Racing and Ford Racing. Noteworthy progress was observed across all cars in the Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls teams, powered by Red Bull Ford Powertrains, showcasing the collective commitment throughout the season. The anticipation for the future of the season was high following this milestone achievement, buoyed by Verstappen’s success and his teammate Isack Hadjar’s impressive fifth-place finish. It was noteworthy that Hadjar’s performance marked the first time in two years that a teammate of Verstappen had reached the top five in a grand prix, adding significance to the race outcome and fostering positivity within the team amidst challenges faced earlier in the season.
