Mark Rashbrook: Ultimately, we strive for victories.

      In 2026, Ford returned to Formula 1 as a partner of Red Bull, and the very first power units created by this alliance turned out to be quite effective and reliable, which surprised many, including other engine manufacturers with immeasurably more experience. Participating in this championship, characterized by its sharp competition and colossal pressure, is a real test for any car manufacturer, but Ford wanted to take on this challenge to showcase its technological capabilities to a new audience, and on an international level. "For us, it all started in 2022 when we saw how successfully Formula 1 was developing," said Mark Rushbrook, director of global racing programs at Ford, in an interview with Racer. "We noticed the growth of its popularity, the diversity of its fan base, and we were attracted by the 2026 regulations, which focus on increasing the role of hybrid systems, as well as the championship's management's desire to achieve carbon neutrality. All of this motivated us; we began to look into such a project because we want to participate in motorsport competitions, but we need the right reasons for that. One of the most important is to fight for victories in races and championships. Formula 1 is distinguished by innovative technologies, and for us, this is a great opportunity to apply the knowledge and experience gained, including in mass automotive production. We can also address certain marketing tasks. All of this came together successfully, and we were able to find the right partners – the Red Bull team with its absolute drive for victories. In an area such as component manufacturing using additive manufacturing (3D printing), we are already deriving real benefits; in some other, more specific areas related to engine manufacturing, it will take some time before we can apply the knowledge gained in mass production. At the same time, there is another side: we give our engineers the opportunity to grow; they learn to think quickly and work at an accelerated pace. The knowledge of specialists involved in the collaboration program with Red Bull Powertrains may not be immediately applicable in automotive production today, but what they are learning contributes to the broader development of our company." The Red Bull Ford DM01 power unit has been demonstrating its potential since the beginning of the season, and on the cars of both teams – Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls. In the qualifying finals, not only Max Verstappen and Isaac Hajar are making it through, but also Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad. In Montreal, Verstappen reached the podium for the first time this season, finishing 2nd yesterday in Austria, while his teammate is also finishing closer to the top three, and the drivers from the Faenza team are regularly fighting for points. "It's incredibly great, isn't it?" Rushbrook continued. "On Monday morning, our employees come to work and the first thing they ask about is the race results – this is especially pleasing! At Ford's headquarters in Dearborn, I was very pleased to hear kind comments from our racing division employees – they are very proud of these achievements. I would say that these initial results contribute to even greater motivation and determination, as ultimately we want to achieve victories. But we already know that we are on the right track, we know we have chosen the right partner. Therefore, we have no doubt that we can reach the top."