Exclusive Interview: Ford Racing Boss Mark Rushbrook Says Formula 1 ‘Moves Faster Than Any Other Racing Series’

Ford Racing is driving into 2026 full throttle.

The motorsports and performance car division is putting the finishing touches on its new collaboration with Red Bull to build the power units the Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls will use in Formula 1 starting in 2026.

It’s an all-new hybrid built to a new formula that requires a 50/50 power split between the internal combustion engine and electric motor that should produce around 1,000 hp.

Ford Racing Global Director Mark Rushbrook joined The GAS podcast to talk about the challenge the partnership is facing.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE AMERICAN CARS AND RACING YOUTUBE CHANNEL

“All motorsports moves very quickly, but the pace at which Formula 1 moves is faster than any other racing series that we’re in, the number of iterations that we’ve gone through with different designs on the parts is more than we go through on any other series,” Rushbrook said.

The chassis are also all-new for 2026 and will be smaller, lighter and include drag reduction systems that can be used throughout the race. As with any major rules reset, there’s a lot of mystery about what the teams will come up with and Red Bull and Ford are as in the dark as anyone.

CLICK FOR MORE FORD NEWS FROM AMERICAN CARS AND RACING

“You look at what the rules allow and can estimate what is theoretically possible in terms of power from the combustion engine, from the combination of the electric and that combustion, so we think we know what’s possible,” Rushbrook said. “We know where we we are, we don’t truly know where the competitors are, and the way the rules are written, none of the teams can go on the track with the 2026 car or the 2026 power unit until Jan. 26 at Barcelona.”

Rushbrook is confident in working with Red Bull, but knows there is no guarantee for success.

“It’s an opportunity to partner with somebody like that, but it’s also pressure that together Red Bull and Ford need to deliver on the track,” he said.

You can listen to the full interview on The GAS and hear how Formula 1 compares to Ford’s new Hypercar sports car racing program along with what the future may hold for Ford’s off-road performance trucks.

Follow American Cars And Racing across our social media on X, Flipboard, YouTube, Reddit, Instagram, and Facebook.