Ford's commitment to Red Bull unchanged despite Newey's departure

Ford, Red Bull Racing's partner from 2026, says their commitment to the team has not changed following the departure of frontman Adrian Newey. So reports Autosport.com in conversation with the US brand's chief executive.

Adrian Newey is leaving Red Bull's F1 team after more than 20 years with the current World Constructors' Champion. Pierre Wache is expected to take over his role. Despite Newey's departure, Ford will remain involved from 2026, according to Ford Performance Motorsports director Mark Rushbrook. Rushbrook says he is very appreciative of the departing Briton: "We have huge respect for Adrian in terms of his career and all the things that he has done for many different teams in F1, especially the last 19 years at Red Bull."

Ford's focus on 2026

Rushbrook continued: "We wish him [Adrian Newey, ed.] the best for whatever he will do in the future. Our focus though fully remains on the power unit programme for 2026. That's unchanged after this news and that is still going ahead full throttle."

Rushbrook also added that Newey's future was not certain beyond 2025 anyway, as his contract would expire after that year regardless. "Like any good company or any good racing team, you always have a succession plan, and you are always training and developing people within the organisation. That is no different in this case. I am not being disrespectful to Adrian at all because he is fantastic, but every team has a succession plan," said the American company's chief executive.