Ford draws the line: F1 ambitions not dependent on Verstappen

When Ford announced its return to the pinnacle of motorsport alongside Red Bull in 2022, the headlines were dominated by the mouth-watering prospect of the "Blue Oval" powering Max Verstappen.

But as the 2026 engine revolution looms, the American automotive giant has sent a clear message: their commitment to the sport is built on more than just a single superstar driver.

The partnership with Red Bull Powertrains marks a full-circle moment for Ford, returning to the very Milton Keynes outfit it sold off over two decades ago as the owner of the Jaguar F1 team.

While the specter of Verstappen’s potential exit to rivals like Mercedes haunted the paddock last year, Ford Racing’s Global Director Mark Rushbrook has made it clear that while they value the Dutchman, the project is bigger than any one individual.

More Than Just a ‘Max’ Strategy

The allure of having a triple world champion as the face of your comeback is undeniable. Rushbrook is the first to admit that Verstappen’s input and stature are massive assets as the team grinds away on its first-ever in-house power unit.

“He is a generational talent,” Rushbrook told Motorsport Italy.

“To have a champion in the car with a Red Bull Ford power unit is important, right? We believe in the team, we believe in the power unit, and we believe in the people that are designing the car.”

However, Rushbrook was quick to dispel the notion that Ford’s presence in the pit lane is tied to Verstappen’s contract.

“But at the end of the day, it comes down to the driver to get every single ounce out of it. And we believe Max is a champion," he explained.

“Max is an important part, but it’s not to the point where we would say, ‘Oh, if he’s gone from the team, we are too’. No, we know that we have confidence in the team and that we’ll get other drivers in the future.”

Commitment Beyond the Cockpit

For Ford, the mission isn't just about marketing – it's about the podium. Whether the driver is a current legend or a future star, the American giant is focused on the mechanical heart of the car and the technical mastery required to win under the 2026 regulations.

“My comments are independent of Max,” Rushbrook insisted. “We want to be on the track with the intention of winning.”

The task is daunting. Building a power unit from scratch to compete with the likes of Ferrari and Mercedes is a mountain many have failed to climb. Yet, Rushbrook remains undeterred by the pressure.

“We want to be at the front of the grid no matter what. We know it’s a massive challenge with the all-new power unit, but that’s our intention. And if we’re not, we’re still committed to doing everything that we can to get to where we want to be,” he added.

• Read also: Ford’s Rushbrook on the ‘important week’ that awaits Red Bull

Despite the "Max-independent" stance, the relationship between the driver and the engineers remains collaborative and fruitful.

Verstappen has been a frequent visitor to the powertrains hub, providing a morale boost to the staff as the 2026 deadline approaches.

“He has been through the facility several times,” Rushbrook revealed. “It’s great, I think, for the team to see his interest and to have him there. Showing that he cares matters, for sure.

“It’s great that he’s got that interest and at the same time he can get confidence in what the team is delivering for 2026.”

As Ford prepares to reignite its legacy, the message is loud and clear: they are back to win, with or without the reigning king of the grid.

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