Ford has made it clear that its Formula 1 aspirations are not reliant on Max Verstappen, even as the Dutch champion’s future remains a topic of speculation. The company’s racing chief, Mark Rushbrook, emphasized that although Verstappen’s presence is significant, Ford’s main objective is to succeed with or without him, setting a confident tone for the Max Verstappen Ford F1 future.
The announcement comes as Ford prepares to return to F1 in partnership with Red Bull Racing, more than two decades after selling its Jaguar Racing operation to the very team it now joins forces with. This renewed alliance plans to introduce Red Bull’s first proprietary powertrain. Ford’s leadership, including Rushbrook, appears undaunted by uncertainties regarding Verstappen’s commitment, reiterating faith in both Red Bull and the new technical direction for the team.
Verstappen’s Star Power and the Resilient Red Bull-Ford Vision
2023 saw high tension within the paddock as rumors swirled that Verstappen could leave Red Bull for rivals like Mercedes, casting doubt over the newly forged Ford-Red Bull collaboration. Despite these speculations, Verstappen reaffirmed his commitment to Red Bull, offering stability as the sport approaches the major regulation overhaul in 2026. Still, the future for all parties holds many questions, fueling anticipation across the motorsport world.
Rushbrook openly praised Verstappen’s unique skill, describing him as a generational leader pivotal to the alliance’s ambitions.
“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.”
– Mark Rushbrook, Global Director, Ford Racing
Yet, he was equally adamant that Ford’s investment is not contingent on any single driver.
“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’,”
Rushbrook asserted, underscoring the resilience of Ford’s commitment and confidence in Red Bull’s broader capabilities.
Strategic Goals Beyond Individual Talents
Ford has made victory and championship contention its primary ambitions, regardless of Verstappen’s storyline or grid position.
“We want to be on the track with the intention of winning,”
Rushbrook declared. This determination comes amid the daunting challenge of developing a cutting-edge, all-new power unit for the next set of technical rules.
“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, Global Director, Ford Racing
Ford’s commitment goes beyond immediate results, emphasizing a long-haul approach that values engineering innovation, team culture, and relentless drive toward success. The partnership with Red Bull is built on mutual belief in the organization’s engineers and their ability to deliver exceptional performance, whether or not Max Verstappen leads the team beyond 2026.
Verstappen’s Personal Involvement Strengthens Team Morale
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his contract in the coming years, Verstappen’s hands-on approach with the powertrain development has left a visible mark on Ford and Red Bull staff. He has repeatedly visited the team’s technical center, demonstrating his investment in the project and providing extra confidence to engineers working on the 2026 car.
“It’s great, I think, for the team to see his interest and to have him there,”
noted Rushbrook.
“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, Global Director, Ford Racing
Rushbrook’s remarks highlight that while Verstappen’s influence is appreciated and often galvanizing, Ford’s vision is rooted in organizational strength rather than dependence on any one personality.
Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond
As Ford readies itself for its F1 comeback, the evolving partnership with Red Bull and the position of Max Verstappen are set to become focal points in the lead-up to the next era of the sport. With the rule changes of 2026 rapidly approaching, all eyes are on how this collaboration will shape both the team’s fortunes and the competitive landscape across the grid. The Max Verstappen Ford F1 future remains intertwined with high stakes, robust ambitions, and an unwavering commitment from all parties to chase victory, regardless of which driver leads the charge. Ford’s determined approach signals a new chapter not just for the American automotive brand, but for Formula 1 itself.
