Ford Responds to Max Verstappen’s Red Bull Exit Rumors Amid 2026 F1 Entry

American autogiant Ford will enter Formula 1 in 2026 in collaboration with Red Bull Racing. The carmaker will work together with the Austrian team to build F1 power units under the Red Bull Ford Powertrains label. However, there have been concerns over Ford’s involvement at Milton Keynes amid increasing speculation over Max Verstappen‘s future. Now, the automaker has finally responded to such claims.

Red Bull and Ford announced their F1 project in early 2023. At the time, Max Verstappen‘s future with the Austrian team seemed concrete. The Dutchman had just won a second title in a row and already had penned a deal till the end of 2028.

However, things have changed drastically since. Verstappen is rumored to be on the radar of teams like Mercedes and Aston Martin. The 27-year-old is reportedly considering using his exit clause in the summer break to leave Red Bull ahead of the 2026 rule change. Though, the 27-year-old has not directly stated such a possibility yet.

Ford CEO Mark Rushbrook issued a statement clarifying on the carmaker’s position. Rushbrook highlighted that the American autogiant wants to work with the best people at the best team. However, he made it clear that Ford did not sign a deal with Red Bull solely because of Max Verstappen. Rather, the carmaker understood that such transfers can take place in the long-term, hinting that it would not be surprised if Verstappen did leave Milton Keynes.

“Wherever we race – in every championship – we want to do it with the best team, with the best drivers and with the best people. But did we sign the deal because of one person in particular? No, because this is a long-term deal and we know that things can change in terms of people.”

Mark Rushbrook told Motorsport.com

Ford remains committed to Red Bull even if Max Verstappen leaves

The Ford chief asserted that before signing the deal with the Austrian team, they were aware of the team’s leadership structure, including Christian Horner and Adrian Newey. Though, Newey has joined Aston Martin instead. Rushbrook pointed out that some things have changed already, but this has not changed the plans of the carmaker.

“We knew that with Christian Horner, we knew that with Adrian Newey and we knew that with the drivers. And some of that has changed before we even race on the track.”

Mark Rushbrook added