Behind the scenes, work is already in full swing at all engine manufacturers for 2026, with Red Bull Powertrains and Ford no exception. Mark Rushbrook, boss of Ford Motorsport and Ford Performance, already stated that most internal goals are being met, although he emphasised that it’s impossible to hit all milestones straightaway. Rushbrook also acknowledged that the competition is difficult to gauge, although he shares Christian Horner's view that Mercedes seems confident.
An equally significant variable for next year, as much as the competition, is the future of Max Verstappen. Although the Dutchman has a contract with Red Bull that runs until the end of 2028, his future remains a major talking point. The four-time world champion has been linked to Mercedes on many occasions - with Toto Wolff admitting in Zandvoort that talks were held until last year's summer break - and Verstappen has also been linked to Aston Martin, where Adrian Newey is designing the 2026 car and Honda will join as engine supplier.
