F1 News: Max Verstappen Hits Back At Claims Of Red Bull Ford Powertrain Concerns

Max Verstappen addresses concerns about Red Bull's collaboration with Ford for Red Bull Powertrains from 2026.

Nov 16, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen of The Netherlands (1) / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Three-time F1 champion Max Verstappen has brushed aside concerns regarding the future Red Bull Ford powertrain's reliability. The transition marks a significant shift for Red Bull, moving from an engine customer to a manufacturer in collaboration with Ford from 2026.

Key Takeaways:

• Verstappen remains unfazed by the enormity of Red Bull's venture into power unit manufacturing with Ford, despite the potential challenges.
• The current partnership with Honda has been fruitful for Red Bull, but the team is looking ahead to a new chapter from 2026.
• Verstappen is in constant dialogue with team principal Christian Horner, ensuring a smooth progression towards the 2026 transition.

Oracle Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen is interviewed after qualifying at Circuit of Americas / Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman /

Red Bull has joined forces with Ford to build Red Bull Powertrains from 2026. This move, stepping away from their long-standing position as an engine customer, notably with their successful stint with Honda, signals a new era for the team.

The potential upheaval this transition could cause has been a topic of speculation, yet Verstappen remains markedly nonchalant. When quizzed on the new partnership, Verstappen commented, jokingly (as quoted by PlanetF1):

“I mean, if I have to speculate about everything, I might be worried if I’m still alive tomorrow, right?”

The task at hand is undeniably daunting. Competing against seasoned engine manufacturers won't be straightforward, yet the team is fortified by an assembly of skilled individuals dedicated to the project. Verstappen's optimism is palpable, he contuned:

“I don’t really worry about that too much because I am in close contact also with Christian about that.

“Everyone’s working flat out so there is no need to panic about that, and also it’s still not 2026. We know that it is a very big task, we don’t take that lightly and of course, with so many well-established engine manufacturers.

“We don’t think it’s going to be easy to beat them but we have a lot of good people working on the project and we’re very excited about it so time will tell where it’s going to be.”

The 2026 season will introduce new power units, with a shift towards greater electrical reliance and cost reductions, as well as fresh regulations encompassing chassis designs.