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Ford racing chief declares bold future in F1: Max Verstappen’s role is not decisive!

Arthur Ling by Arthur Ling
January 13, 2026
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 2 mins read
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Ford racing chief declares bold future in F1: Max Verstappen’s role is not decisive!

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - DECEMBER 06: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing looks on in the garage during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on December 06, 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202512060595 // Usage for editorial use only //

Ford’s Bold F1 Future: No Dependence on Verstappen, Says Racing Chief

In a dramatic twist to the Formula 1 saga, Ford Racing’s Global Director, Mark Rushbrook, has made an audacious declaration: the American automotive giant’s ambitions in Formula 1 will not hinge on the presence of superstar Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing. As Ford gears up for a sensational return to the F1 grid—22 years after it divested its Jaguar Racing team to the very squad it now partners with—Rushbrook’s comments send shockwaves through the motorsport community.

The long-awaited alliance between Ford and Red Bull is set to revolutionize the sport with the creation of Red Bull’s first-ever in-house powertrain. However, last year, this promising collaboration teetered on the brink of disaster amid rampant speculation surrounding Verstappen’s future, with rumors swirling about potential discussions with fierce rivals Mercedes. But in a twist of fate, the Dutch phenomenon reaffirmed his commitment to Red Bull, setting the stage for a thrilling new chapter as the 2026 regulation cycle looms, shrouding the future in uncertainty.

Rushbrook did not hold back in his admiration for Verstappen, hailing him as a “generational talent” crucial to the partnership’s aspirations. He stated emphatically, “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.” Yet, he quickly clarified that while Verstappen is a pivotal asset, Ford’s ambitions extend beyond any single driver. “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’,” Rushbrook asserted, highlighting a robust confidence in the team’s future.

Ford’s vision for victory remains undeterred by the uncertainty surrounding Verstappen’s tenure. “We want to be on the track with the intention of winning,” Rushbrook proclaimed, underlining the company’s relentless pursuit of success. “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.”

In a testament to Verstappen’s impact, Rushbrook revealed that the reigning champion has taken a personal interest in the developmental process, visiting the powertrains hub multiple times. “It’s great, I think, for the team to see his interest and to have him there,” he noted. “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 reclaim its place on the Formula 1 stage, the dynamics between Verstappen, the team, and the ambitious goals set forth by Rushbrook may very well define the future of this iconic motorsport alliance. With the stakes higher than ever, all eyes will be on the asphalt as the countdown to 2026 begins.

Tags: 1958-formula-1-seasonmax-verstappen-enoracle-red-bull-racing
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