Big changes are coming to Red Bull Racing (RBR) in 2026. The team is partnering with Ford to produce power units, bringing The Blue Oval back to the Formula One grid in just over one year’s time. Currently, RBR fields race cars for Max Verstappen and will take Liam Lawson on in 2025, but a rumor recently surfaced that indicates Verstappen could be headed for another team sooner rather than later.
Planet F1 reports that Verstappen is contracted with RBR through 2028, but Mercedes boss Toto Wolff indicated that Verstappen would’ve been the perfect addition, though it eventually elected to take on Kimi Antonelli for the 2025 racing season. But major changes on the way to the sport in 2026, Verstappen’s career with RBR could still take a turn.
RBR may be at a disadvantage when the Ford partnership kicks off. Whereas manufacturers like Mercedes and Ferrari have no shortage of experience in the development and production of power units, Ford and RBR will be producing brand new power units in 2026 under a set of new regulations. The regulations could level the playing field, but experience could still be king in 2026.
Former McLaren F1 mechanic, Marc Priestley, weighed in, saying, “The drivers market is so complicated at the moment because everyone is basing their move on the regulation changes in 2026. You have to choose the team you think will produce the best car, it could be a team like Williams. It’s a tough call.”
Priestley also contemplated if a sudden downturn in RBR performance – especially in light of its brand new Ford deal – could send Verstappen packing.
“If Red Bull suddenly drop to a mid-table team in 2026, Verstappen will start asking himself questions. I can see him hang up his boots then,” he said. “But, maybe he’ll see a decline at Red Bull before 2026 and join a new team ahead of the regulation changes, like Lewis Hamilton has done by joining Ferrari. It’s like any of us changing jobs, it’s exciting at the beginning.”
Ford is keen on providing engine tech for Red Bull Racing and expects the team to be successful. Ford Performance head Mark Rushbrook says the agreement is a “true partnership,” not just a money grab or a quick way to get The Blue Oval before the eyes of a global motorsports fanbase.
Comment
I’d say that Verstappen’s concerns are well placed. Any new program almost never get off the ground without teething pains. Plus, while he’s at the top of his skills, he’ll want to maximize his opportunities.