Did Horner not do his homework? Ford boss reveals candid Red Bull truth

According to the American, Ford are now deeply embedded in both the electric and combustion sides of Red Bull’s 2026 engine project.

In fact Rushbrook admitted in statements to Motorsport Aktuell that after two and a half years, the scope of involvement has grown significantly, to the point where his company is “working on almost the entire car – and also on the operational side.”

Rushbrook made clear that Ford’s return to Formula 1 is far more hands-on than their last effort, when the company ran Jaguar as a works team between 2000 and 2004.

"We don’t have a full manufacturer program for that, anywhere in the world,” he admitted, highlighting the contrast with the current partnership.

The timing of the Red Bull deal was also crucial. Former team boss had outlined the path for the Austrians to become engine manufacturers in F1, and after having snubbed a deal with Porsche, the connection was then made with the American brand.

“We were quite lucky,” Rushbrook explained.