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Partnership Maintains Strength and Overcomes Departure of Technical Leader
The departure of Christian Horner, announced on July 9, 2025, marked a turning point in the partnership between Ford and Red Bull Racing.
Even with this change, Ford reiterated its absolute commitment to the new engine project for Formula 1.
Since taking on part of the development in 2023, Horner has been critical in the technical integration between Red Bull Powertrains and Ford Performance.
However, as Ford emphasized, the strategy for 2026 remains unwavering.
The automaker maintains full priority for the timeline established since 2022.
Ford Maintains Development and Highlights Technical Challenges
Although Horner’s departure brings impacts, Ford reinforces that efforts for the new engine are progressing based on strict timelines.
According to Mark Rushbrook, general manager of Ford Performance, in a May 2025 interview, the company faced obstacles in meeting all goals at the planned pace.
However, with a well-defined transition of technical leadership, the team aims to ensure consistent progress.
Leadership Transition Does Not Compromise Global Goals
Beyond public recognition, Ford clarified that the development of the power unit, announced in 2023, continues under strategic confidentiality.
The statement released on Wednesday reaffirms that Horner’s departure does not alter the agreed timelines for the hybrid engine.
Since the beginning of the collaboration, Red Bull Powertrains has been working to ensure that the engine, scheduled for 2026, meets the parameters of the new generation of hybrid power units.
Thus, the American automaker reinforces confidence in the technical review processes.
The brand also guarantees performance audits at each stage of the timeline.
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Ford Bets on Strong Return to the F1 Grid
Even without revealing specific details of the current stage, Ford shows optimism about returning to the F1 grid, scheduled for March 2026.
Pre-season tests will occur in February of the same year.
Since 2024, Ford Performance executives have indicated that the reentry will be strategic for positioning the brand in a cleaner mobility scenario.
Each step of the technical timeline is accompanied by internal audits.
Horner’s departure does not compromise the planned performance.
Red Bull Powertrains-Ford Projects Competitive Legacy
To conclude the analysis, therefore, the Ford made it clear in its statement that, in addition, Christian Horner’s legacy will be preserved.
Moreover, the Red Bull Powertrains-Ford partnership, established in February 2023, continues to be the brand’s main bet for winning in Formula 1.
The history of technical collaboration, which intensified in 2024, thus shows that confidence in the project is equally shared by all suppliers.
Even so, with strategic changes, the objective remains unchanged; thus, there is no expectation of alterations that could compromise the project.
The goal is to align cutting-edge engineering, realistic deadlines, and competitiveness, in addition to ensuring an engine worthy of the 2026 debut.
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