Ford make striking Max Verstappen claim in Red Bull commitment vow

Ford Performance director Mark Rushbrook has outlined the manufacturer’s total commitment to Red Bull, insisting it will not leave if Max Verstappen joins another F1 team.

Ford is offering the Austrian outfit technical support as part of a new partnership ahead of Formula 1’s new power unit regulations, which have seen Red Bull become an engine supplier.

It is a job of immense difficulty for Red Bull, with 2026 marking its first season producing its own power units.

Given the challenge of developing a competitive power unit, there are several questions over how strong Red Bull will be, due to its inexperience in engine development.

Crucially, it has Verstappen to lead the team, with the Dutchman having chosen to stick with Red Bull for 2026 rather than move elsewhere.

Discussing Verstappen, Rushbrook told Motorsport.com's Italian branch: "He's a generational talent. Having a champion behind the wheel 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 who design the car. 

"But ultimately, it's the driver who has to extract every ounce of performance. And we believe Max is a champion."

Keeping Verstappen, at least for this year, is significant for Red Bull, which can expect strong results even if it does not provide the four-time world champion with a competitive car.

Verstappen’s talent will drive Red Bull and Ford forward; however, Rushbrook has stressed that the 28-year-old is not the be-all and end-all for them.

Addressing how Ford's commitment will not be tied to one driver, Rushbrook explained: "Max is an important part of the team, but not to the point where we're saying, 'If he leaves the team, then we're leaving too.' 

"No, we have faith in the team and know that other drivers will arrive in the future."