Red Bull engine partner Ford reacts to Newey departure

Ford has declared its plans to link up with Red Bull in 2026 are “unchanged” after Adrian Newey's exit from the team.

The American automotive giant is set to enter a partnership with Red Bull Powertrains in two years' time when fresh power unit regulations come into effect.

The new era will commence for Red Bull without the services of renowned car designer Adrian Newey.

Last week, the energy drink-basked squad confirmed Newey will leave in early 2025 with his next move yet to be confirmed.

Ford Performance Motorsports director Mark Rushbrook has asserted that the departure will not affect its plans going forward.

"We have huge respect for Adrian in terms of his career and all the things that he has done for many different teams in F1, especially the last 19 years at Red Bull," Rushbrook told Autosport.

"Nothing but admiration and respect for him and we wish him the best for whatever he will do in the future.

"Our focus though fully remains on the power unit programme for 2026. That's unchanged after this news and that is still going ahead full throttle."

Ford confident Red Bull will remain competitive

Rushbrook outlined he was not caught off guard by Newey's announcement as he discussed multiple contingency plans with team principal Christian Horner for several different scenarios.

"Continuity was in the very first discussions that I had with Christian Horner," Rushbrook said.

"So, my question to him was: 'How is Red Bull going to continue to be successful in 2026 with all-new regulations?'

"Like any good company or any good racing team, you always have a succession plan, and you are always training and developing people within the organisation.

"That is no different in this case. I am not being disrespectful to Adrian at all because he is fantastic, but every team has a succession plan."