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

11:57, 21 Aug

byNorberto Mujica

When Red Bull first partnered with Ford, the deal was widely viewed as a commercial collaboration rather than a technical one. But according to Ford’s motorsport boss Mark Rushbrook, this claim could not be farther from the 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.”

Max Verstappen in Zandvoort - Red Bull Contentpool

Ford learned 'they were not as good' in their last F1 entry

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.

“The last time we had a factory team with Jaguar, we learned that we weren’t as good at it.

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

'Red Bull realised they lacked the necessary resources'

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.

“They had just decided in 2023 to develop their own powertrain for 2026.

"It was still at a very early stage, but even then they realized resources were limited, even for a major Formula 1 team.

"Especially since Milton Keynes had never developed its own engine before.”