Ford responds to Horner's exit from Red Bull: What's next for the engine project?

Christian Horner was dismissed with immediate effect from Red Bull on Wednesday morning. The Brit had to resign from his positions as team principal and CEO.

Max Verstappen reacted diplomatically to the news. The Dutchman posted a heartfelt message to the team principal, with whom he experienced all his successes at Red Bull Racing, on his social media channels.

Ford will start providing the engine in collaboration with Red Bull Powertrains to the Austrian racing team from 2026. This is a project that has been running for a long time and was initiated under Horner's leadership. The American company responded to the Brit's dismissal to Motorsport.com.

"Ford wishes to thank Christian Horner for his collaboration and dedication to the Red Bull Ford Powertrains program," began the statement from the car manufacturer.

It was quickly concluded that Horner's departure will have little impact on the partnership. The engine project is still in full swing and will continue to be so. "We look forward to our return to the Formula 1 grid in 2026," Ford stated.

It's difficult to assess the current state of the Ford and Red Bull Powertrains engine project. Mark Rushbrook, the general manager at Ford Performance, previously indicated that not all goals are being met for the project. It's also challenging to gauge what the competition is doing and how the dynamics will be by 2026.