Ford won’t ‘run away’ from Red Bull if Verstappen leaves

As Formula 1 teams gear up for the sport’s transformative 2026 season with new regulations, Ford Performance is doubling down on its partnership with Red Bull Racing, even as speculation continues to swirl about Max Verstappen’s long-term future with the team.

The four-time world champion, contracted until 2028, has been linked with moves to Mercedes and Aston Martin, fueled by Red Bull’s inconsistent 2025 performance and a rumored performance-based exit clause.

Despite Verstappen’s pivotal role, Ford Performance boss Mark Rushbrook (pictured here above in Miami with Ford CEO Jim Farley) has firmly dismissed suggestions that the American manufacturer’s commitment hinges on the Dutch driver’s presence, emphasizing a long-term vision for success with Red Bull Powertrains.

A Partnership Beyond Individuals

Ford’s collaboration with Red Bull, set to power both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls from 2026, marks the American giant’s return to F1 after a two-decade absence.

Rushbrook underscored that the partnership was not built around any single figure, such as the team’s former design guru Adrian Newey who left Red Bull to join Aston Martin.

“Everywhere we race we want to have the best team with the best drivers and the best people,” the Ford Performance chief 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,” he continued, acknowledging the fluidity of F1’s personnel landscape.

“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.”

Verstappen’s Value vs. Ford’s Resolve

Verstappen’s importance to Red Bull is undeniable, with his 2025 season – yielding two wins in six races so far – highlighting his ability to extract performance from the team’s challenging RB21.

Rumors of a move to Mercedes, bolstered by Toto Wolff’s admitted talks until mid-2024, or to Aston Martin, where team owner Lawrence Stroll is rumored to have offered the Dutchman a massive multi-year contract, have intensified scrutiny.

Yet, Rushbrook remains unequivocal about Ford’s commitment.

“Do we want to see Max stay in the Red Bull-Ford for 2026 and beyond? Of course,” he said.

“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.”

Addressing concerns about Verstappen’s potential exit, Rushbrook dismissed the notion of fear driving Ford’s strategy.

“You like to use the word fear, don’t you?” he quipped. “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.”

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“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 elaborated, acknowledging Verstappen’s value while prioritizing team-wide competitiveness.

“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,” Rushbrook noted, praising Verstappen’s drive to elevate Red Bull’s performance.

Confidence in Red Bull’s Future

Red Bull’s 2025 struggles, with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris dominating the championship, have raised questions about the team’s competitiveness, especially as they embark on building their own power units for 2026 without Newey’s design expertise.

Skepticism persists, with rumors also emerging about Red Bull Powertrains struggling to develop its 2026 power unit, while Mercedes reportedly leading engine development.

Yet, Rushbrook expressed unwavering faith in Red Bull’s technical team.

“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’s technical director] and all the technical people,” he continued.

“We still believe in the people, in the team that is there and in their ability to win races.”

As Red Bull and Ford prepare for the future, the message from the American manufacturer is clear: it’s in for the long haul, regardless of who’s behind the wheel.

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