Ford says its commitment to Red Bull’s engine programme remains “unchanged” despite renowned designer Adrian Newey leaving the F1 outfit.
Last week, Formula 1 witnessed a major shakeup with the news of Newey's departure from Red Bull. The legendary designer's exit after two decades of championship-winning success has inevitably cast a shadow over the team's future.
Team boss Christian Horner and star driver Max Verstappen have both talked up the talent and expertise of those who have worked alongside Newey and often led Red Bull’s engineering efforts, and who will carry the team into the future.
Furthermore, one crucial partnership remains firmly in place: Ford's commitment to Red Bull as their engine partner from the 2026 season, when F1 ushers in its next-generation power unit.
The Milton Keynes-based outfit, through its Red Bull Powertrains unit, will become its own engine supplier from 2026, but will rely on Ford’s expertise and resources for a large part of the future engine’s hybrid component.
In Miami last weekend, Mark Rushbrook, director of Ford Performance Motorsports, swiftly squashed any concerns linked to Newey’s departure from Red Bull.
"We have huge respect for Adrian in terms of his career and all the things that he has done for many different teams in F1, especially the last 19 years at Red Bull," Rushbrook said, speaking to Motorsport.com.
"Nothing but admiration and respect for him and we wish him the best for whatever he will do in the future.
"Our focus though fully remains on the power unit programme for 2026. That's unchanged after this news and that is still going ahead full throttle."
Rushbrook pointed out that Newey's contract with Red Bull was only valid until 2025, meaning his continued presence beyond that point was never guaranteed.
This underscores that Ford's commitment factored in the possibility of a future Red Bull team without Newey.
"Continuity was in the very first discussions that I had with Christian Horner," Rushbrook explained.
"So, my question to him was: 'How is Red Bull going to continue to be successful in 2026 with all-new regulations?'
"Like any good company or any good racing team, you always have a succession plan, and you are always training and developing people within the organisation.
"That is no different in this case. I am not being disrespectful to Adrian at all because he is fantastic, but every team has a succession plan."
Alluding to the internal disruption that swept through the Red Bull team earlier this year, Rushbrook said that Ford remained convinced that it had hooked up with the best possible partner in F1.
"To do anything great in motorsport, we as Ford find the best teams to partner with. We believe that we have found the best team in Formula 1," he added.
"It is all about cooperation, understanding the situation and being committed to doing what it takes to be successful. That is continuing with both parties."
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