Ford says its Formula 1 commitment with Red Bull is not dependent on any single person, even as the team prepares for Gianpiero Lambiase’s future departure and continues to face questions over Max Verstappen’s long-term plans.
The early part of the 2026 Formula 1 season has not been straightforward for Red Bull. Although the new power unit has attracted attention in the paddock, the team’s initial chassis and aerodynamic performance did not immediately match expectations.
Ford Performance director Mark Rushbrook, however, said the American manufacturer remains confident in Red Bull’s ability to respond. He pointed to the team’s past recovery efforts as evidence of its strength, saying Red Bull has repeatedly shown its character and capability under pressure.
One of the biggest internal developments is the confirmed future exit of Gianpiero Lambiase, Max Verstappen’s long-time race engineer and Red Bull’s Head of Racing. Lambiase is set to join McLaren in 2028, adding to a wider list of senior figures who have moved on from the team.
Rushbrook acknowledged that personnel changes naturally create questions, but said Ford is not immediately discouraged by the situation. According to him, the key issue is not only who leaves, but how Red Bull reacts and maintains its strength as an organisation.
Rushbrook said there is always some concern when an important figure leaves a racing team, because it raises questions about why they are going and what it means internally. Still, he added that change is part of racing and must be handled in the same way as any other challenge.
In Lambiase’s case, Red Bull still has time to manage its succession planning before his move to McLaren. Rushbrook confirmed that Ford received reassurances from Red Bull about how the team intends to handle the departure.
Alongside Red Bull’s personnel changes, Verstappen’s future remains a recurring topic. The four-time world champion has been outspoken about the 2026 regulations and has said he wants time to consider broader life choices.
Rushbrook said he understands the driver’s perspective, especially because drivers are the ones dealing directly with the technology and its impact on racing. He added that Formula 1 must remain willing to listen, discuss concerns internally and take steps to address them where needed.
Rushbrook made clear that Ford would not want to see Verstappen leave Formula 1 or Red Bull, describing current drivers as an important part of the sport’s personality. He said Ford wants drivers to feel engaged and excited because that enthusiasm also matters to fans.
However, Rushbrook stressed that even if Verstappen were to leave Red Bull or Formula 1 altogether, Ford’s position would remain unchanged. The company entered Formula 1 to compete in the sport and chose Red Bull because of the team’s overall identity, not because of one individual.
