(Motorsport-Total.com) – Mark Rushbrook, Ford Motorsport Director, explicitly emphasizes that the company’s Formula 1 commitment is not dependent on individuals like Max Verstappen. Currently, they are cooperating with Red Bull Powertrains on the engines for the Milton Keynes team.
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“We would regret seeing him go, but that would not change our commitment in [Formula 1],” he said in an interview with our sister portal Motorsport.com.
Away from the discussions around Verstappen, Red Bull recently struggled with the performance of the RB22. Nevertheless, Rushbrook assures the strength of the team:
“I think Red Bull has often shown in its history what the team is capable of,” explains the Motorsport Director. “Take last year as an example. Everyone had already written off the team in the championship, and look how close they were to the title in the end. That showed again what they are capable of.”
“[Currently] it is the same. Many say that Red Bull is behind. Of course, we have seen that so far on the track, but that does not discourage us. In fact, it motivates us all, because Red Bull and Ford want to attack at the front.”
While the future of Max Verstappen is uncertain, the departure of Gianpiero Lambiase is already confirmed. But even the steady departure of well-known figures like Lambiase, Newey, or Wheatley does not seem to impress Rushbrook.
Red Bull as the right partner for Ford
“[Red Bull] has the right people, the right culture,” explains the Motorsport Director. “Of course, personnel changes cause a lot of spectacle in the media, but that is part of the sport. Of course, we did not necessarily want people to leave, but that’s how it sometimes is.”
“Sure, you always worry somewhere when people leave. Why are they leaving the team? What does that mean for the team?”
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“So it’s not that it’s not important, but you can react to such things like to everything else in racing or in life. When things happen, it depends on how you react and that you stay strong.”
Red Bull Ford without Verstappen?
On the topic of Max Verstappen and the current regulations, Rushbrook explains: “I completely understand the perspective of the drivers and Max. The drivers sit in the car and have to deal with the technology and its influence on racing.”
“But we have seen that the sport is willing to discuss such problems internally and respond accordingly. As long as the sport is willing to do exactly that and look for solutions together, everyone will be satisfied again and remain loyal to the sport.”
“No one wants Max or any other driver to leave Formula 1, because they are part of the personality of the sport. We want to see them happy, engaged, and enjoying racing. That creates even more enthusiasm among the fans.”
Nevertheless, Rushbrook emphasizes: “We came into Formula 1 to be part of Formula 1. And we chose Red Bull because of the team culture, not because of an individual.”
“And again, we love Max, we love that he drives a Red Bull powered by Ford. We would regret seeing him go, but that would not change our commitment in [Formula 1].”
Maybe the endurance fan can be excited by other projects. A possible engagement could be at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the Ford Hypercar. Meanwhile, Lambiase will remain part of the Red Bull family until the end of 2027.
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