Motorsport director appears concerned ahead of Red Bull–Ford’s 2026 moment of truth – The partnership between Red Bull and Ford in Formula 1 has been years in the making, but the decisive phase is only now approaching. After extensive development behind closed doors, the new power unit built jointly by Red Bull Powertrains and Ford is nearing its first real test, with initial running scheduled in Barcelona. Until then, even those closest to the project admit that firm conclusions remain impossible.
As the long-anticipated debut draws closer, Ford motorsport director Mark Rushbrook has struck a cautious tone, emphasising that the true competitiveness of the new engine will only be revealed by on-track performance.
Years of preparation, few certainties
Although Red Bull and Ford announced their collaboration almost three years ago, Rushbrook acknowledged how quickly time has passed. The development process has been intense, but simulations and bench testing can only provide limited answers.
“It’s been almost three years since we announced our partnership with Red Bull,” Rushbrook told Marca. “It’s been fantastic developing the new power unit with them, but suddenly we’re here. We believe we are in a good position, but until we’re out on the track, we won’t really know.”
The upcoming test sessions are expected to provide an initial reference point, even if they fall short of offering a complete picture.
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Barcelona Tests to Offer First Indications
The closed-door running in Barcelona will be the first opportunity to assess how the new engine performs in real conditions. Although the sessions are not intended for performance comparisons, they should provide insight into reliability, drivability, and the engine’s overall integration with the chassis.
Whether Red Bull will be able to compete at the front with both of its teams next season depends on multiple factors, with the power unit playing a central role. However, Rushbrook was careful not to raise expectations prematurely.
Engine Advantage Rumours Played Down
In recent weeks, there has been speculation that Red Bull and Mercedes could have an early advantage over their rivals under the new regulations. Rushbrook refused to be drawn into such claims, responding simply, “…We’ll see.”
He stressed that success in Formula 1 cannot be reduced to a single technical component.
“Having an advantage in one area doesn’t mean you have an advantage overall,” he said, highlighting the complex interaction between the engine, the chassis, the aerodynamics and the operations.
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Performance key for Red Bull and Ford
There is little doubt about the importance of the power unit for both partners. For Red Bull, competitiveness is essential to maintaining its position at the front of the grid. For Ford, the project represents a significant comeback to Formula 1 at the highest level.
“The decisive factor will be performance on the track,” said Rushbrook. “We all want to win, and at Ford, we want to provide the best driver with the best equipment, the best car and the best engine.”
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Integration concerns behind the scenes at Milton Keynes
According to information gathered by TJ13 from within the Milton Keynes factory, some engineers have privately expressed concerns about integrating the new RB Ford power unit into the current chassis concept ahead of the first on-track tests.
While no single issue has been identified as critical, sources suggest that the challenge lies in aligning multiple new systems simultaneously rather than in any fundamental flaw with the engine itself.
The concerns are understood to centre on packaging and cooling requirements, as well as the tight timelines imposed by the test schedule. Engineers are aware that even small compromises could have knock-on effects when the car is tested in real conditions. Who can forget the 2014 winter tests when the then-new Renault hybrid encountered huge integration and cooling issues, sometimes requiring the trackside technicians to hand saw cooling holes into the sidepods.
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A Demanding Development Process
Rushbrook also highlighted the exceptional pace of development in Formula 1, describing it as unlike any other motorsport category. While he is confident, he did not rule out facing challenges early on.
“We knew it would be complicated, and it was,” he said. ‘The pace of development in Formula 1 is on another level. It’s hard to imagine we’ll be successful right away, but perhaps we will be.”
With the first laps approaching, Red Bull and Ford are preparing for whatever answers may come.
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NEXT ARTICLE – McLaren’s controversial “papaya rules” about to change after a title-winning season & growing backlash from drivers and pundits
McLaren’s divisive ‘papaya rules’ to change? – The McLaren team’s comeback has been a remarkable Formula One tale. Having ditched Ron Dennis, the legendary team owner and principal in 2017 McLaren’s fortunes have been on the rise.
Dennis was obsessed with being a works based team with an engine supplier solely dedicated to the McLaren cause. And with long term partner Mercedes deciding to adventure once again into owing a team in 2010, this left McLaren on the back foot.
To be fair to Dennis when the new V6 hybrid era began in 2014, the power unit manufacturers who owned teams were allowed preferential treatment under the FIA’s rules. This meant their team would get any PU upgrades first, with customers having to wait until the factory could build enough.
Papaya rules dominate 2025 headlines
All this has now changed since Mercedes’ dominant era and F1 customer teams now must be given the same specification of powertrains that the manufacturers run in their own car. But for McLaren, Dennis’ adventure with Honda was a disaster and saw the team finish a lowly 9th in the constructors’ championship in 2017.
Zak Brown was subsequently appointed CEO of McLaren Racing and their fortunes have been on the up ever since. They are the first ‘customer team’ to win the constructors’ title since Brawn GP in 2009 and for two seasons now have dominated their PU supplier Mercedes.
Yet despite their second team title and Lando Norris maiden F1 championship, McLaren are a team under scrutiny. Much of which comes from their decision to make public their rules of combat between the drivers. ‘Papaya rules’ often dominated the headlines in 2025, with Oscar Piastri finally admitting the team orders in Monza affected his mentality and ultimately his title chance.
The papaya rules are McLaren’s rule book for their drivers which state the team comes ahead of any individual glory, emphasising no contact should be made and the drivers must respect whatever…READ MORE ON THIS STORY
With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
A senior writer at TJ13, C.J. Alderson serves as Senior Editor and newsroom coordinator, with a background in online sports reporting and motorsport magazine editing. Alderson’s professional training in media studies and experience managing content teams ensures TJ13 maintains consistency of voice and credibility. During race weekends, Alderson acts as desk lead, directing contributors and smoothing breaking stories for publication.
