Ford “won’t run away” if Max Ver...

Behind the scenes, work is already in full swing in any respect engine producers for 2026, with Pink Bull Powertrains and Ford no exception. Mark Rushbrook, boss of Ford Motorsport and Ford Performance, already stated that most internal goals are being met, though he emphasised that it’s unimaginable to hit all milestones straightaway. Rushbrook additionally acknowledged that the competitors is troublesome to gauge, though he shares Christian Horner’s view that Mercedes appears assured.

An equally important variable for subsequent 12 months, as a lot because the competitors, is the way forward for Max Verstappen. Though the Dutchman has a contract with Pink Bull that runs till the top of 2028, his future stays a serious speaking level. The four-time world champion has been linked to Mercedes on many events – with Toto Wolff admitting in Zandvoort that talks had been held till final 12 months’s summer season break – and Verstappen has additionally been linked to Aston Martin, the place Adrian Newey is designing the 2026 automotive and Honda will be part of as engine provider.

Verstappen is a crucial figurehead for Pink Bull, and due to this fact Ford, however Rushbrook makes it clear that Ford’s dedication to the undertaking will not be depending on one particular person.

“In every single place we race we wish to have one of the best crew with one of the best drivers and one of the best individuals. However did we signal the deal for anybody individual specifically? No, as a result of we all know that it is a long-term deal and that these individuals are going to vary. We knew that about Christian Horner, about Adrian Newey, in regards to the drivers and a few of them have modified already earlier than we even obtained on the racetrack,” Rushbrook refers to Newey and Sergio Perez.

“Will we wish to see Max keep within the Pink Bull-Ford for 2026 and past? In fact. He is a champion. He is an incredible individual and he elevates the whole crew with him, however are we going to run away if Max leaves the crew? No. We’re dedicated.”

When requested if he fears Verstappen might go away the crew, Rushbrooks smiles: “You want to make use of the phrase concern, don’t you? Once more, I would not name it a concern, however we wish to take the appropriate actions to make it possible for the crew with Pink Bull Powertrains-Ford continues to win races. As I stated, all of the individuals within the programme are an vital a part of that. So do you’re taking actions to maintain a driver like Max in there? You are already taking these actions anyway since you wish to win, however do you additionally preserve a pulse on the individuals? In fact, so I suppose the reply is sure [that we’d like to keep him].”

That is naturally as a result of Rushbrook understands how vital Verstappen is for the present competitiveness of the crew, in each the drivers’ and the constructors’ championship. “He is a champion for a purpose. Clearly his expertise, but additionally that he needs each a part of the crew and the programme to be one of the best it may be.”

Is the present Pink Bull kind purpose for concern?

The larger image is that Rushbrook stated final 12 months that Ford needs to work with one of the best groups in all championships it takes half in. In the beginning of final season, Pink Bull was nonetheless the dominant drive in F1, however that is now not the case. Is {that a} regarding prospect for the Blue Oval model?

“We all know that in all types of motorsports, however particularly in Components 1, there are dynasties of groups that simply win, win, and win. However then they undergo spells the place they do not, so there’s at all times that ebb and movement. Do we would like Pink Bull to nonetheless be successful races on the finish of final 12 months and this 12 months? In fact, however we all know that the crew nonetheless has nice people who find themselves able to successful persistently.”

Having stated that, the 2026 rules would be the first main technical overhaul in Pink Bull’s historical past that must be taken on with out Adrian Newey. It’s one other unknown, however Rushbrook makes clear that he has full confidence within the technical crew that is still in place. “The sensation remains to be the identical. A number of weeks in the past, we had been in Milton Keynes and met with Pierre Wache and all of the technical individuals. We nonetheless imagine within the individuals, within the crew that’s there and of their skill to win races.”