Ford CEO ‘clearly’ sees positive for Max Verstappen’s 2026 car after Red Bull fired Christian Horner

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Christian Horner was vital to convincing Ford to return to Formula 1 as Red Bull’s new engine partner for the 2026 regulations, but he will not see the fruit of those labours.

Red Bull had to seek a new engine partner for F1’s 2026 regulations after Honda announced it would be withdrawing from the series back in 2020. Although Honda later pulled a U-turn in 2023 and entered into a 2026 works engine programme in partnership with Aston Martin.

So, Horner held talks with Porsche as Red Bull’s bosses were keen on the deal, yet the Briton put an end to their discussions with the German automotive giant. In the end, Horner struck a partnership with Ford to support Red Bull with its expertise in hybrid engine technologies.

But the 51-year-old will not see how the Red Bull Powertrains division he established arrives in the 2026 F1 season. July saw a major change in Milton Keynes, as Red Bull sacked Horner without telling him why he was being stripped of command after 20 years as team principal.

Ford CEO feels Laurent Mekies is ‘exactly’ who Red Bull need ahead of the 2026 F1 regulations

Red Bull promoted Laurent Mekies from Racing Bulls to replace Horner as their F1 CEO and team principal. The 48-year-old did not waste any time implementing changes based on his engineering background, either, as he strives to move Red Bull back to the top of the order.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about F1’s 2026 engine and aerodynamic rules

Ford CEO Jim Farley also thinks Red Bull have “exactly” who they need overseeing their car for F1’s 2026 regulations in Mekies. Farley can “clearly” see the impact Mekies has already had at Red Bull, and believes the Frenchman’s technical expertise is crucial for next season.

Farley told Sky Sports: “I came here because I’m a big believer to understand things with your eyes and ears, and I can clearly see the impact Laurent’s had.

“He’s a technical person, which is exactly right for this change in 2026. He’s absolutely the right leader. We are completely behind him, and I can really feel it with the team.”

Red Bull are not expected to have one of the best 2026 F1 rules engines

Ford leapt at Red Bull once their deal with Porsche fell through, and the iconic Blue Oval has to date not regretted deciding to return to F1 for the first time since 2004. Red Bull and their sister team Racing Bulls will both use Red Bull Powertrains engines from the 2026 F1 season.

But Red Bull are viewing 2026 as a learning year for their new engine, with expectations rife that the Milton Keynes crew’s power unit in partnership with Ford will not be one of the best engines next year. So, Mekies’ technical background could prove to be key, as Farley notes.

Red Bull’s 2026 F1 regulations car might also have a huge say in what future Max Verstappen has in Milton Keynes. The 27-year-old is under contract there through 2028. But Verstappen can leave Red Bull in 2026 if he hits the summer break outside the top two in the standings.