Ford CEO Jim Farley has highlighted the importance of Max Verstappen's input ahead of its partnership with Red Bull.
The American automotive giant has joined forces with Red Bull to construct the 2026 power unit, which marks a major change from the current iteration.
Verstappen's future with Red Bull was a persistent topic this year before the four-time champion declared he would remain put for next season.
Farley praised Verstappen's approach to moments of hardship that Red Bull have endured in recent times and stated the company has grown to respect the 27-year-old.
"I think this is one of the most important pillars of foundation for the PU (power unit) success," Farley told Sky Sports News.
"Talking to Max, we at Ford really have grown our respect for Max watching him this year.
“The way he has provided stability without drama in an environment where we're all just trying to do our jobs. I can really see that in his eyes today versus last year.
"It's one of the great things about Laurent [Mekies] and his team. They all have this deep commitment to each other."
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Red Bull is seeking to commence next season under fresh technical regulations on the front foot and return to championship contention, having slipped back in the pecking order this year.
With such a major shift coming to both the aerodynamic and power unit regulations, it has created the potential for one team to uncover a trick and create a large gap to the rest of the competition.
In an effort to ensure Red Bull doesn't fall short, team boss Mekies described the effort Verstappen is putting in to return to the front of the grid.
“Max is doing a lot more than just asking for the numbers,” Mekies said.
“You would be surprised. Max is giving so much to the projects also outside of the car. He's not just asking the numbers.
"He's testing the car in the simulators, he's working with engineers on both sides of the fence to understand how do we develop these 2026 cars, where do we try to get the power? Where do we try to get the downforce?
“So that's how central to the project he is. He certainly wants a fast car next year, he's doing everything inside and outside the car to help us give him that.”
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