Ford has clarified that its commitment to partnering with Red Bull come 2026 has remained “unchanged” despite the news that design guru Adrian Newey will depart.
Red Bull announced last week that Newey had communicated his desire to leave the squad that he has helped guide to seven Drivers’ and six Constructors’ title wins.
It has been touted that Newey’s impending exit next term came amid a breakdown in his relationship with boss Christian Horner, a view that has since been rubbished.
Horner was cleared from allegations of inappropriate behaviour, but Ford had admitted “frustration” with Red Bull’s failure to be transparent before the public decision.
The American automotive giant will be aligned with Red Bull’s Powertrains division on the new engine regulations in 2026, providing both technical and financial input.
And Ford Performance Motorsports Director Mark Rushbrook has denied that Newey leaving will impact the brand’s collaboration with the reigning World Champions.
“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,” he 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.”
Horner insisted that Red Bull has been anticipating Newey’s egress since 2014 and is optimistic its recent dominance can continue once the Briton’s departure arrives.
Rushbrook has revealed that he held discussions with Horner prior to the deal being completed over the plans Red Bull had in place to remain as the pre-eminent side.
“Continuity was in the very first discussions that I had with Christian Horner,” Rushbrook added.
“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.”
Rushbrook is convinced that Red Bull still represents the strongest partner Ford could have found to complete its return to F1 since a failed stint with Jaguar in 2004.
“To do anything great in motorsport, we as Ford find the best teams to partner with. We believe that we have found the best team in Formula 1,” he addressed.
“It is all about cooperation, understanding the situation and being committed to doing what it takes to be successful. That is continuing with both parties.”
