Behind the scenes, engine manufacturers are already hard at work for the 2026 season, and Red Bull Powertrains, in collaboration with Ford, is no exception. Mark Rushbrook, head of Ford Motorsport and Ford Performance, mentioned that while many internal targets are being achieved, it’s unrealistic to meet all milestones immediately. He acknowledged the challenge in assessing competition but aligns with Christian Horner’s perspective that Mercedes appears confident.
A critical factor for next year, alongside the competition, is the future of Max Verstappen. Although he is contracted to Red Bull until the end of 2028, discussions about his future remain prevalent. The four-time world champion has been rumored to be linked with Mercedes and Aston Martin, especially since Adrian Newey is designing the 2026 car for the latter and Honda will serve as the engine supplier.
Verstappen is a key figure for both Red Bull and Ford, yet Rushbrook clarified that Ford’s investment in the project is not reliant on any single individual. He emphasized, “We want the best team with the best drivers everywhere we compete. But did we sign the agreement for one specific person? No. We knew it was a long-term arrangement and that personnel would change over time.” He referenced the changes involving Adrian Newey and Sergio Perez.
Rushbrook expressed his desire to see Verstappen remain with Red Bull-Ford beyond 2026, acknowledging his championship status and the positive influence he brings to the team. However, he affirmed, “If Max leaves, we are not going to abandon the project. Our commitment remains strong.”
When addressing concerns about Verstappen potentially leaving, Rushbrook noted, “I wouldn’t classify it as fear, but we aim to take the necessary steps to ensure that the Red Bull Powertrains-Ford team continues to succeed. Maintaining key talent is indeed part of our strategy.” He recognizes Verstappen’s critical role in the ongoing success of the team across both championships.
Concerns about Red Bull’s Current Performance
Rushbrook previously stated that Ford aims to collaborate with top teams across all championships. While Red Bull started last season as the dominant team in F1, their current performance has raised questions. “In motorsport, particularly in Formula 1, teams often experience fluctuations in success. We naturally hope Red Bull remains competitive; however, we trust the team’s capacity to consistently achieve victories,” he stated.
Additionally, with the 2026 regulations marking a major shift for Red Bull and the absence of Adrian Newey, uncertainty lies ahead. Nonetheless, Rushbrook expressed unwavering confidence in the existing technical team, stating, “We met with Pierre Wache and the technical staff recently and remain confident in their ability to win races.”
