Although Max Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull through 2028, the rumors continue to swirl.
Mercedes has previously been in contact with the Dutchman, and Aston Martin is lurking in the background with both Honda and Adrian Newey joining the project from 2026. Verstappen is central to Red Bull’s current dominance — but he is not the entire foundation of Ford’s involvement.
“Of course we would like to see Max stay with Red Bull-Ford in 2026 and beyond. He’s a champion, he lifts the entire team,” said Mark Rushbrook, according to Motorsport.com. “But did we sign up because of one particular person? No.”
He emphasizes that from the beginning, it has been a long-term project, where key figures like Christian Horner, Adrian Newey, and drivers such as Sergio Perez could come and go — and some already have.
Trust in the Team at Milton Keynes
2026 will mark Red Bull’s first major technical transition without Adrian Newey at the helm. But Ford maintains full confidence in the remaining leadership — including technical director Pierre Wache and the engine team at Red Bull Powertrains.
Rushbrook notes that most of the development targets for 2026 are being met, although not everything succeeds on the first attempt. He also acknowledges that Mercedes appears strong in their preparations, but stresses that Red Bull still has the resources and personnel to win.
Form Dips Not a Concern – But Eyes on 2026
Red Bull hasn’t been as dominant in 2025, and Verstappen has had to fight harder than in previous seasons. But Ford sees this as a natural part of the sport’s evolution, not a warning sign.
“We know that top teams in F1 go through cycles — some years they win everything, other years are more volatile,” Rushbrook explains. He emphasizes that Ford chose Red Bull for their long-term capabilities — and that trust remains, regardless of who is in the cockpit.
Amid speculation about Verstappen’s future and Newey’s departure, one thing is certain: Ford isn’t going anywhere.
Source: Motorsport.com
