As the 2026 Formula 1 season approaches, Ford Motorsport and Red Bull Powertrains are intensifying their preparations, while keeping a close eye on the future of Max Verstappen. Despite Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull running through 2028, rumors linking the four-time world champion to teams such as Mercedes and Aston Martin have sparked widespread speculation. Ford’s motorsport chief, Mark Rushbrook, emphasized that even though Verstappen plays a pivotal role in the team’s success, Ford’s dedication to the partnership is long-term and not contingent on one driver’s presence.
Behind the scenes, engine manufacturers, including Red Bull Powertrains and Ford, are fully engaged in developing technology for the upcoming season. Rushbrook revealed that they are hitting most internal targets but acknowledged the complexity of meeting every milestone immediately. Competition remains fierce, with Mercedes showing signs of confidence, a view shared by Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.
Max Verstappen, a dominant figure in Formula 1 and key to Red Bull’s recent successes, remains at the center of many discussions. Reports of talks with Mercedes’ Toto Wolff and potential developments involving Aston Martin, where Honda will supply engines for 2026, have kept speculation alive. Still, Ford maintains that its commitment to Red Bull transcends any single individual, underscoring the stability of their long-term vision.
Rushbrook highlighted this perspective clearly:
He referenced the transitions involving Newey and Sergio Perez as examples.
While Ford genuinely hopes to see Max Verstappen remain with the Red Bull-Ford partnership moving forward, Rushbrook is unwavering in their commitment regardless of the driver’s decision:
When questioned about any fears of losing Verstappen, Rushbrook responded with a smile, admitting that while ‘fear’ might be too strong a word, the team is proactively working to sustain their winning edge.
Rushbrook’s recognition of Verstappen’s critical role for the team’s competitiveness is clear. The Dutch driver’s exceptional talent combined with his drive to elevate the entire team has made him instrumental in both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships.
Rushbrook stated, reinforcing Verstappen’s influence.
Looking beyond individual personalities, Ford’s broader ambition remains consistent: to collaborate with the strongest teams across all motorsport championships it engages in. Although Red Bull’s dominance in Formula 1 has been challenged recently, and the team faces uncertainties including significant technical changes for 2026, Ford expresses confidence in the resilience and capabilities of its partners.
Rushbrook acknowledged that Formula 1 is characterized by shifting dynamics.
The upcoming 2026 regulation changes mark the first major overhaul Red Bull will face without the involvement of Adrian Newey, a legendary figure in F1 car design. Despite this challenge, Rushbrook expressed unwavering confidence in the technical team’s ability to sustain success.
Max Verstappen’s future undoubtedly remains one of the most watched storylines ahead of 2026, but Ford’s clear message is that their investment in Red Bull Powertrains is steadfast. Regardless of driver movements, the company aims to foster a competitive team capable of consistently challenging for victories. As the season countdown continues, fans and industry insiders alike will be watching closely to see how this dynamic partnership evolves and how it impacts the landscape of Formula 1 racing.
