Ford is set to break back onto the Formula One grid for the first time since 2004, partnering with Oracle Red Bull Racing to produce power units for future F1 race cars in 2026. However, despite Ford’s full intent to get back to Victory Lane, rumors have been circulating around the F1 stable insinuating that The Blue Oval’s power unit program is behind schedule. But Ford Performance head Mark Rushbrook says that’s not true in the slightest, according to a recent report from Planet F1.
F1 community rumors suggest Red Bull Ford Powertrains are lagging in the development department, meaning they could be one of the slower power units on the grid when they finally make it to competition in the 2026 season. However, Rushbrook says that things are right on track to be one of the more potent manufacturers in the division when the time comes.
“As with any program, you set certain goals and milestones. At the moment we are achieving all our own goals and achieving the desired milestones,” Rushbrook said. “In Formula One, development is going so much faster than in all other branches of motorsport in which we are active. It is really full throttle from the start of engine development until 2030 when the period with these regulations ends.”
Rushbrook also dismissed concerns that Ford doesn’t have the experience it needs to be competitive, considering that manufacturers like Ferrari have spent decades developing and building power units compared to The Blue Oval’s mere years.
“It’s absolutely true that brands like Ferrari already have the knowledge, they have the people and they also have the experience in a system that already works,” he said. “So yes, they have an advantage in that respect. But I think we have an advantage because our team is only working on the engine for 2026. We do not have to work on the current power sources. In that respect, our focus is entirely on this project.”
We’ll have more on Ford’s return to F1 soon, so sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford motorsports news and continuous Ford news coverage.
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