Ford‘s confidence โขin Max Verstappen Soars Amid 2026 Power Unit Growth
Ford’s respect forโ Max Verstappen has “grown” as the Redโ Bull Racing driver actively engagesโ in the development of the team’s 2026 power unit,according to key figures within the Ford engine program. The three-time Formula 1 World Champion isn’t simply requesting performance figures; he’s deeply involved in simulatorโค work andโ collaborative engineering efforts to shape the next generation of Red bull powertrains.
Verstappen’s commitment to the 2026 project is particularly significant as Ford โenters a new era โin F1, partnering with Red Bull to create a competitive โฃpower unit followingโค the sport’s regulation changes. This collaboration โฃis crucial โคfor both parties – for Ford,it represents a high-profile return โฃto F1 and a chance to demonstrate technological prowess; for โขRed Bull,maintaining its competitive edge hinges on a successful power unit transition. Verstappen’s input ensures the engine development aligns with the demands of a โchampionship-winning driver.
“So, โhe’s not just asking for the โคnumbers. He’s testing the car in the simulators. He’s working with engineers on โboth sides of the fence to understand how do we develop these 2026 cars,โฃ where do we try to get theโ power, where do we try to get the downforce?” a โsource connected to the project explained. โ”That’s how central to theโค project he is.”
The increasedโ confidence โขin โVerstappen’s dedication comesโค despite previous โspeculation linking him to a potential move โฃto Mercedesโ in 2026. While Verstappen has dismissed those rumors, he retains an exit clause in โhis current โฃRedโข Bull contract, valid for 2026, shouldโ circumstances necessitate a change. His current deal with Red Bull Racing extends through the end of 2028.
“So, he certainly wants a fast car next year, and โคhe’s doing everything he can in โฃthe car and outside of the car to help us give him that,” the โsource added, highlighting the driver’s proactive role in securing Red Bull’s future competitiveness. The ongoing development workโ and Verstappen’s involvement are criticalโ as โthe sport prepares for a significant shift in power unit technology in 2026.
