Ford CEO Jim Farley has revealed the truth about working with Max Verstappen, given the American automaker’s collaboration with Red Bull Powertrains to develop the power unit for Red Bull’s 2026 Formula One car.
F1 enters a new era of regulations next year, which will see new cars speeding around Grand Prix circuits. The biggest change in them is the power unit, which will be powered by electric power and internal combustion in an equal ratio.
Given Ford‘s expertise in developing electric vehicles, Red Bull’s in-house engine development unit partnered with the blue oval brand to field its 2026 cars with its own engines for the first time in the premier class of motorsports.
Engine development requires driver feedback in many ways, and with Red Bull fielding a four-time world champion until the end of 2028, there could be nobody better than him for driver input. Speaking to Sky Sports F1, as quoted by RacingNews365, Farley revealed that his team’s respect for Verstappen grew this year. He said:
Jim Farley, CEO of Ford, Mark Rushbrook of Ford and Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing talk in the garage prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International…
Jim Farley, CEO of Ford, Mark Rushbrook of Ford and Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing talk in the garage prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 07, 2023 in Miami, Florida.
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“I think this is one of the most important pillars of foundation for the PU [power unit] success. Talking to Max, we at Ford really have grown our respect for Max watching him this year.
“The way he has provided stability without drama in an environment where we’re all just trying to do our jobs. I can really see that in his eyes today versus last year. It’s one of the great things about Laurent [Mekies] and his team. They all have this deep commitment to each other.”
Related: F1 CEO Opens up on ‘Differences’ with Max Verstappen: ‘He’s Very Direct’
While Ford’s role was initially limited to the electrification of the 2026 power unit, its scope has widened to producing parts for the internal combustion engine. As a result, the automaker is working on “almost the entire car.” Ford global director Mark Rushbrook said:
“We wanted to learn about electrification: battery cell chemistry, motors, inverters, calibration, control, and how everything interacts with the combustion engine. We wanted to learn about optimising fuel efficiency.
“Initially, we weren’t really interested in working on the combustion engine, but now we’re doing it because we obviously still have a lot to learn in this area.
“We’re primarily helping with the production of parts. So now we’re working on almost the entire car – and also on the operational side.”
Related: Ford Sets Bold Condition to Stay in Formula One Amid V8 Talks