Red Bull is set to debut its own power unit in Formula 1 for the first time since acquiring Jaguar in 2005, starting with the 2026 season—a turning point that raises urgent questions about Max Verstappen‘s Red Bull future. As Red Bull integrates Ford into its F1 program, stakeholders across the paddock are watching closely to see if the new partnership can match the fierce standards set by established engine manufacturers and secure Verstappen’s long-term place within the team.
Red Bull and Ford’s Ambitious Path to 2026
Red Bull’s decision to design and race its own power unit represents a significant shift from relying on external suppliers like Honda. This move is aimed at creating a seamless connection between the chassis and engine, which could deliver key competitive advantages over time. However, the immediate competitiveness of Red Bull Ford Powertrains remains uncertain, prompting ongoing debate about the role this will play in Verstappen’s plans for the future.
Ford Performance director Mark Rushbrook confirmed that internal benchmarks for the new engine are being met, though he acknowledged uncertainty about how they stack up against the top power unit (PU) makers in F1 right now. Interestingly, Toto Wolff, representing another big competitor, likened Red Bull-Ford’s challenge to “Mount Everest.” Rushbrook agrees with this daunting metaphor but stresses there’s no room for hesitation when 2026 arrives.
In an exclusive interview with Motorsport.com, Rushbrook emphasized the significance of having a driver of Max Verstappen’s caliber behind the wheel, noting:
“He is a generational talent. To have a champion in the car with a Red Bull Ford power unit is important, right? We believe in the team, we believe in the power unit, and we believe in the people that are designing the car. But at the end of the day, it comes down to the driver to get every single ounce out of it. And we believe Max is a champion,”
— Mark Rushbrook, Ford Performance Director
Still, Ford’s participation in F1 is not solely dependent on Verstappen. Rushbrook stated:
“Max is an important part, but it’s not to the point where we would say, oh, if he’s gone from the team, we are too. No, we know that we have confidence in the team and that we’ll get other drivers in the future.”
— Mark Rushbrook, Ford Performance Director
Key Factors Shaping Verstappen’s Commitment
Max Verstappen’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen, has pointed out that 2024 is a crucial year for evaluating Verstappen’s longer-term relationship with Red Bull, especially given an open driver market for 2027. The team needs to prove the competitiveness of its new engine package early, as the window to impress Verstappen and keep him onboard is tight.
Retaining Verstappen beyond 2026 is ideal for Red Bull and Ford, but the team knows it must deliver results to achieve this. Rushbrook described the core mindset:
“As racers, we want to win no matter what. So it is important to go out on track and to perform.”
— Mark Rushbrook, Ford Performance Director
He continued, highlighting the wider challenge presented by the incoming technical regulations:
“We know that 2026 is going to be a challenging year for everybody in the paddock because of the new rules. And regardless of the driver, it’s important for the team to deliver.”
— Mark Rushbrook, Ford Performance Director
Responding to the suggestion that Red Bull-Ford’s adjustment period may be shorter than rival projects, Rushbrook asserted:
“My comments are independent of Max. We want to be on the track with the intention of winning.”
— Mark Rushbrook, Ford Performance Director
Unlike Audi, which eyes a progressive ascent toward title contention by 2030, Red Bull and Ford are pushing for immediate impact. As Rushbrook noted, Red Bull’s recent track record provides a strong foundation for a quick ramp-up in performance. Speaking to this difference, he said:
“Yes, but I think they’re in a different position. In terms of where the team is, where the car is et cetera. In terms of what the team can deliver with a car, you have seen that with Red Bull already. And that is partly going to carry over to 2026,”
— Mark Rushbrook, Ford Performance Director
The plan is clear—whether or not Verstappen remains with Red Bull, Ford expects to fight for wins as soon as the new power unit arrives. Rushbrook capped the ambition by stating:
“We’ll see where we really are in Barcelona and Bahrain. We want to be at the front of the grid no matter what. We know it’s a massive challenge with the all-new power unit, but that’s our intention. And if we’re not, we’re still committed to doing everything that we can to get to where we want to be.”
— Mark Rushbrook, Ford Performance Director
Building a Cohesive Powertrains Team
The Red Bull Powertrains division is remarkable for its diversity, comprising not just Ford personnel but also experts from Red Bull, Honda (the previous engine partner), and individuals recruited from Mercedes High Performance Powertrains. This array of experience brings creative problem-solving and different perspectives, but it also requires careful management to forge a unified culture within the rapidly expanding team.
Rushbrook spoke about this challenge directly:
“And that is always a challenge,”
— Mark Rushbrook, Ford Performance Director
He explained further:
“It was about developing a culture, whereas the existing engine manufacturers already got their culture. In this case, it was at least within the Milton Keynes campus, with a culture there. So there’s people coming in and adapting to that. But growing from zero Powertrains employees to over 500 now, you’ve got to get all of them to accept that culture and to embrace it.”
— Mark Rushbrook, Ford Performance Director
This melting pot of engineering experience could be a unique asset as long as the team can work as one.
Verstappen’s Influence Beyond the Track
Max Verstappen’s engagement with the Red Bull Powertrains project extends beyond his driving talent. Insiders note that Verstappen is actively visiting and interacting with staff at the facility—a move that boosts morale and connects the driver’s expectations with the engineering reality. Rushbrook summed up the value of Verstappen’s enthusiasm:
“He has been through the facility several times. It’s great, I think, for the team to see his interest and to have him there. Showing that he cares matters, for sure. It’s great that he’s got that interest and at the same time he can get confidence in what the team is delivering for 2026.”
— Mark Rushbrook, Ford Performance Director
What Lies Ahead for Red Bull, Ford, and Verstappen?
As the 2026 regulations draw nearer, the partnership between Red Bull and Ford is set to redefine both organizations’ position within Formula 1. The pressure is squarely on delivering a power unit capable of competing against the likes of Mercedes and Audi, each bringing their unique approach to the challenges ahead. Whether Max Verstappen will trust in Red Bull’s vision for the long term depends not only on technical advances but also on the team’s ability to demonstrate a winning culture as early as possible.
The coming seasons will reveal if Red Bull’s bold F1 power unit strategy will entice Verstappen to extend his tenure, or whether the shifting landscape of Formula 1’s driver market prompts dramatic changes at the team. What remains certain is that the intensity and ambition surrounding Red Bull, Ford, and their combined future with Verstappen are set to define much of Formula 1’s next era.
