Why Verstappen's visit to Ford in the United States is so important

GPblog reported earlier on Thursday that Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls have chosen Detroit for the launch of their 2026 cars. That location is no coincidence, as Ford—the new partner of both teams—is based there. Together, they have been working for some time on Red Bull Powertrains, the engines with which Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls will race from 2026 onwards.

It has become a genuine collaboration, with Ford taking on a significant role. When the company announced a few years ago that it would partner with Red Bull, it initially seemed primarily like an expensive marketing tactic.

After all, Red Bull would build the engines themselves, merely carrying the ‘Ford’ label.

Over time, Ford has become increasingly involved in the development of the PUs, naturally hoping that Verstappen can win Grands Prix with an American-powered engine.

And that would, of course, be PR gold in the United States, given the sport’s growing popularity: an American company winning in F1—that’s Ford’s dream.

By travelling to the U.S. solely for a launch, Red Bull underscores the partnership and shows that there are truly two equal partners at work here. Ford is more than just a sponsor; it is part of the project.

The launch of the first Red Bull with a Ford engine will generate a lot of media attention in the U.S, that much is certain. Especially now that the global auto industry is struggling — also in the United States — having Max Verstappen walking around the factory is priceless.

No exorbitantly expensive advertising campaign can compete with that.