Forward of the progress proven in Miami, the opening weeks of the 2026 season had not been straightforward for Crimson Bull. Whereas the brand new energy unit shocked a few of its rivals within the paddock, the image on the chassis and aero facet initially proved underwhelming.
Furthermore, information emerged that Gianpiero Lambiase, Max Verstappen’s right-hand man and likewise Crimson Bull’s Head of Racing, will depart the workforce for McLaren in 2028. His departure matches right into a broader pattern of key figures leaving the workforce, one thing workforce boss Laurent Mekies overtly acknowledged in Miami.
Learn Additionally:
When Crimson Bull’s present engine accomplice Ford returned to Components 1, Ford Efficiency director Mark Rushbrook emphasised that the American producer likes to use the same strategy throughout all championships it takes half in: not a works workforce, however becoming a member of forces with the most effective groups in a given racing sequence.
Since that announcement, nevertheless, rather a lot has modified at Crimson Bull, elevating the query of how Ford now views the state of the workforce.
“I believe Crimson Bull confirmed their character, what the workforce is able to, many occasions by means of historical past,” Rushbrook stated throughout an unique interview with Motorsport.com.
“Let’s take final yr for instance. All people counted them out of the championship, and look how shut it was ultimately and what they have been in a position to obtain in that. In order that was only a demonstration once more of what they’re able to.”
Regardless of the technical laws now being fully completely different, that provides Ford confidence for the present season and the years forward.
“It is the identical factor right here. Lots of people are saying, effectively, Crimson Bull is behind. And certain, that is what we have seen on observe to this point, however we’re not discouraged by that. If something, collectively we’re energised by that as a result of Crimson Bull and Ford need to be racing on the entrance.”
Max Verstappen, Crimson Bull Racing
Picture by: Clive Mason / Getty Pictures
Ford received reassurances from Crimson Bull about Lambiase’s departure
In addition to the laws, the personnel modifications kind a second issue. Along with Lambiase, the workforce has already needed to exchange Rob Marshall, Jonathan Wheatley, Adrian Newey, Will Courtenay, moreover Christian Horner and Helmut Marko.
It raises the query of what number of departures a workforce can take in altogether, however Rushbrook says he’s not instantly frightened on that entrance both.
“They have the appropriate individuals, the appropriate tradition. And even with personnel modifications, I do know that creates loads of pleasure within the media and perhaps different locations, however I believe that is a part of the game,” he stated.
“Not that we essentially wished to see any of these individuals go, nevertheless it’s about the way you react to that.”
Based on the American, the latter is extra essential than the departures themselves: how does the workforce in the end cope with them?
“There’s all the time some concern while you see any person leaving. Why are they leaving? What does it really imply to the workforce?,” he added.
“So it isn’t that it isn’t essential, however you react to these issues, identical to anything in racing, and even in life. When issues occur, it is all about the way you react to them and keep sturdy.”
Gianpiero Lambiase, Crimson Bull Racing
Picture by: Kym Illman / Getty Pictures
In Lambiase’s case, Crimson Bull nonetheless has a while to consider succession planning. Furthermore, there seemed to be little probability for the Milton Keynes-based workforce to maintain him on board for longer. Verstappen even stated that, contemplating McLaren’s supply, he “would have been an fool” if he had tried to maintain Lambiase at Crimson Bull.
Verstappen revealed that the race engineer had spoken to him lengthy earlier than the announcement, and in line with Rushbrook, Crimson Bull did precisely the identical with Ford as a accomplice. Requested whether or not the American firm obtained sure reassurances concerning how Crimson Bull will deal with this subsequent departure, he replied: “Sure, precisely, for certain.”
“Would hate to see Max go, however wouldn’t change our dedication to F1”
In addition to all of the aforementioned workforce members, there may be one other variable that appears to return yearly: Verstappen’s personal future.
The four-time world champion has been vocal in regards to the laws throughout the opening months of 2026 and added in Miami that his views on the principles haven’t modified due to Crimson Bull’s latest progress. Furthermore, he stated that he needs to take his time concerning the “life decisions” he referred to in Japan.
Learn Additionally:
“I fully perceive the motive force’s perspective and Max’s perspective,” Rushbrook responded. “The drivers, they’re those within the automotive and coping with the expertise and the way it impacts the racing.”
“However we have seen that the game is prepared to speak about these points internally amongst the groups and to react to it, and take steps to handle it. I believe so long as the game is prepared to try this and that we do tackle these issues collectively, then hopefully everyone is comfortable they usually keep within the sport.
Max Verstappen, Crimson Bull Racing
Picture by: Guido De Bortoli / LAT Pictures through Getty Pictures
“No person needs to see Max depart or any of the present drivers, as a result of they’re a part of the persona of the game. So we would like them to be comfortable, we would like them engaged and excited in regards to the racing that they are doing, as a result of that makes the followers much more enthusiastic about it.”
However ought to Verstappen depart in spite of everything — both by switching from Crimson Bull to a different workforce or by leaving F1 altogether — Rushbrook stresses that Ford’s place wouldn’t change: “We got here to Components 1 to be in Components 1 and we selected Crimson Bull due to who they’re as a workforce, as a tradition, not any single particular person.
“And once more, we love Max, we love the truth that he is racing in a Crimson Bull Ford powered automobile. We might hate to see him depart, however that would not change our dedication to the game.”
We wish your opinion!
What would you prefer to see on Motorsport.com?
– The Motorsport.com Group
