Ford speak out after tweaks to F1 power unit rules

Ford's global director of racing, Mark Rushbrook, has welcomed the FIA's decision to revise power unit regulations for 2027, describing the move as "a good step" for F1.

The motorsport governing body announced on Friday that the power split between internal combustion and electrical energy will shift from the current near 50/50 arrangement to approximately 60/40, reducing reliance on electric power that has drawn criticism throughout the 2026 season.

Drivers have voiced concerns about the heavily electrified units, with many citing reduced flat-out qualifying laps and counterintuitive race strategies centred around battery management rather than pure pace.

Max Verstappen has been particularly vocal about the limitations, arguing the current format compromises the spectacle of wheel-to-wheel racing.

"It's stakeholders voicing their opinions, decision-makers making their decisions," Rushbrook explained, as per The Athletic. "But I think that is a good step to help the racing and the product on track."

The regulatory adjustment comes as teams continue adapting to the radical power unit overhaul introduced this season.

Red Bull, which has a power unit partnership with Ford, has endured a challenging start to 2026, with Verstappen managing only a fifth-place finish as his best result through the opening four rounds.

Despite the early struggles, the power unit has impressed, although the fledgling project is still in its infancy.

Rushbrook praised the Red Bull-Ford partnership's progress, particularly given the engine programme's recent origins compared to established manufacturers like Ferrari and Mercedes with decades of F1 experience.

He highlighted Red Bull's resilience from last season, when Max Verstappen closed to within two points of securing his fifth consecutive title, after initially struggling with the RB21.

"We know it's going to take a lot of work to get there," he acknowledged regarding championship ambitions. "That's part of why we partnered with Red Bull. They are racers, they're committed to winning."

Rushbrook highlighted Red Bull's resilience from last season, when Max Verstappen closed to within two points of securing his fifth consecutive title, after initially struggling with the RB21.