Ford won’t « run away » if Verstappen leaves Red Bull
Even in the event of Max Verstappen's departure in 2026, Ford says it will remain fully committed to Red Bull Powertrains. The U.S. automaker is looking to the long term in Formula 1, beyond its iconic figures.
While technical preparations for the major regulatory shift in 2026 are in full swing, Ford, engaged with Red Bull Powertrains, insists: Max Verstappen’s presence in the team is not a condition for their investment. Despite uncertainties surrounding the future of the four-time world champion, who is frequently linked with Mercedes or Aston Martin, Mark Rushbrook, director of Ford Performance, remains categorical.
« Did we sign this partnership for one particular person? No, because it’s a long-term commitment, and these people change. We knew that for Christian Horner, for Adrian Newey, for the drivers, and some have already changed even before we are on the grid », he recalls, notably mentioning the announced departure of Adrian Newey or the uncertainty surrounding Sergio Perez.
Verstappen remains an asset, not a condition
That said, Ford does not hide its desire to keep Verstappen on the team in 2026. « Do we want to see Max stay with Red Bull-Ford? Of course. He’s a champion, a great person, and he elevates the whole team with him. But will we run away if he leaves? No. We are committed. »
Rushbrook also tempers the idea of a concern. « You seem to like using the word ‘fear’, don’t you? I wouldn’t call it a fear. But we’re making the right decisions to keep Red Bull Powertrains-Ford winning. »
He nevertheless admits that Verstappen is essential to the current competitiveness. « He’s a champion for a reason. Obviously for his talent, but also because he wants every part of the program to be the best possible. »
The Red Bull-Ford dynamic in the post-Newey era
One of the other major challenges lies in the imminent departure of Adrian Newey, the mastermind of Red Bull’s aerodynamics for nearly two decades. This departure coincides with the upheaval of the 2026 technical regulations, which Red Bull will have to face for the first time without its chief architect.
Rushbrook remains confident: A few weeks ago, we were in Milton Keynes, and we met with Pierre Waché and the technical teams. We still believe in these people, in their ability to win races.
No worries despite the performance decline.
Red Bull, once the steamroller of the grid, has been showing signs of weakness since the end of last season. Should this worry a manufacturer like Ford? Not really. « In F1, there are dynasties. Teams win repeatedly, then they go through dry spells. Do we want Red Bull to always win? Of course. But the team still has the right people to win consistently. »
In summary, Ford continues to focus on structural stability and a long-term vision, regardless of the fluctuations in the driver market. Verstappen or not, Newey or not, the blue oval intends to be at the forefront from 2026.
