Ford acknowledges Red Bull disadvantage: 'Competitors have more experience with that'

In 2026, Red Bull will say goodbye to engine supplier Honda. The Austrian F1 team will take on engine development itself, together with new engine partner Ford. When the new engine regulations take effect, Red Bull will drive with engines from Red Bull Powertrains-Ford.

Ford: 'All own goals achieved at the moment'

Rumours have been circulating about the performance of Red Bull's own engine, whose development is said by some to be lagging behind the competition. Mark Rushbrook, boss of Ford Performance Motorsports, dismisses those speculations. However, he does acknowledge that rival manufacturers are at an advantage in one area.

"As for any programme, you set certain targets and milestones. At the moment, we are already meeting all our own targets and achieving the desired milestones," Rushbrook told Motorsport.com. He points out that development in Formula 1 is much faster than in other motorsports in which Ford is active, so it takes hard work to develop a strong engine.

Asked about the rumoured power unit being developed jointly with Red Bull, the Ford chief says: "I can only say that we have set our own targets for the power unit based on experience and what we think is needed to be successful in 2026."

Rushbrook stresses that Ford does not know where the competition stands and what their development curve is. "We simply do not have a direct comparison with our opponents, but if we look at what we think we need to be successful, we are in a good position," he notes.

Ford acknowledges possible disadvantages and advantages

Christian Horner previously expressed concerns about the new engine regulations, but Rushbrook sees it as a challenge to compete against more experienced manufacturers like Mercedes and Ferrari. "It is absolutely true that brands like Ferrari already have the knowledge, have the people and also have the experience in a system that is already working. So yes, in that respect they have an advantage," he admits.

At the same time, Red Bull may again have an advantage in another area, the Ford chief stresses: "I think we have an advantage in that our team is only working on the engine for 2026. We don't have to work on the current power sources. In that respect, our focus is entirely on this project."