Ford has proclaimed it will remain committed to the company’s partnership with Red Bull in Formula 1 even in the scenario where Max Verstappen departed the team.
Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull until 2028, but the team’s inconsistent on-track competitiveness has rekindled rumours that he could choose to move elsewhere.
There is scepticism surrounding how competitive Red Bull will be when the rules reset in 2026 as it embarks on a new era as an engine manufacturer along with Ford.
Mercedes is thought to be leading development in that department, and the Silver Arrows are recognised as Verstappen’s most plausible destination outside Red Bull.
Meanwhile, Verstappen has also been linked with a possible switch to Aston Martin amid reports the British marque would be willing to propose a mouthwatering bid.
But while Red Bull’s reliance on the Dutchman is indubitable, Ford has dismissed the organisation’s involvement is dependent on the reigning F1 champion’s presence.
“Everywhere we race we want to have the best team with the best drivers and the best people,” Head of Ford Performance Mark Rushbrook told Autosport.
“But did we sign the deal for any one person in particular? No, because we know that it’s a long-term deal and that those people are going to change.
“We knew that about Christian Horner, about Adrian Newey, about the drivers and some of them have changed already before we even got on the racetrack.
“Do we want to see Max stay in the Red Bull-Ford for 2026 and beyond? Of course.
“He’s a champion. He’s a great person and he elevates the entire team with him, but are we going to run away if Max leaves the team? No. We are committed.”
Ford eager to work with Verstappen
Rushbook has recognised that Verstappen remaining at Red Bull will enhance Ford’s prospect of achieving the success that it was unable to sustain as a works team.
Asked whether he fears the four-time World Champion exiting Red Bull, Rushbook remarked: “You like to use the word fear, don’t you?
“Again, I wouldn’t call it a fear, but we want to take the right actions to make sure that the team with Red Bull Powertrains-Ford continues to win races.
“As I said, all the people in the programme are an important part of that. So do you take actions to keep a driver like Max in there?
“You’re already taking those actions anyway because you want to win, but do you also keep a pulse on the people? Of course, so I guess the answer is yes.
“He’s a champion for a reason. Obviously his talent, but also that he wants every part of the team and the programme to be the best it can be.”
Why Ford has unwavering faith in Red Bull
Rushbook addressed that Ford retains an unwavering conviction that Red Bull is equipped to continue winning races and championships despite the side’s recent dip.
“We know that in all forms of motorsports, but especially in Formula 1, there are dynasties of teams that just win, win, and win,” he highlighted.
“But then they go through spells where they don’t, so there’s always that ebb and flow. Do we want Red Bull to still be winning races at the end of last year and this year?
“Of course, but we know that the team still has great people who are capable of winning consistently.”
“The feeling is still the same. A few weeks ago, we were in Milton Keynes and met with Pierre Wache [Red Bull Technical Director] and all the technical people.
“We still believe in the people, in the team that is there and in their ability to win races.”
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