Ford CEO Jim Farley has commended Max Verstappen and his commitment to Red Bull, as its powertrain alliance gears up for the 2026 Formula 1 season.
The American giant is entering F1 for the first time in over 20 years, uniting with the Milton Keynes-based squad’s powertrain division in time for the sport’s new rules.
Red Bull Powertrains has, in its three-year existence, been maintaining its previous Honda engines, after the Japanese marque pulled out of F1 at the end of 2021.
Therefore, its Ford collaboration will be its first true in-house project, with any difficulties receiving a much-needed boost with the knowledge Verstappen is now staying put.
Summertime speculation saw the Dutchman subject of rumours regarding a potential switch to Mercedes, but the World Champion has now committed to the team.
Farley told Sky Sports News that he and the whole Ford entity has a newfound respect for Verstappen, having taken three Grand Prix wins amid Red Bull’s fluctuating form.
“I think this is one of the most important pillars of foundation for the PU [power unit] success,” he said.
“Talking to Max, we at Ford really have grown our respect for Max watching him this year.
“The way he has provided stability without drama in an environment where we’re all just trying to do our jobs. I can really see that in his eyes today versus last year.
“It’s one of the great things about Laurent [Mekies, Team Principal and CEO] and his team. They all have this deep commitment to each other.”
Ford quit F1 back in 2004, ironically selling its ownership of the Jaguar Racing team to Red Bull, which entered the sport a year later.
The brand’s desire to go down a route of electrification perfectly works in tandem with F1’s 2026 regulations, which will sees the existing V6 hybrid engines have a 50/50 output split.
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