Ford Performance director Mark Rushbrook has praised Christian Horner's foundational role in the Red Bull-Ford partnership, even as the team begins its on-track tests with new leadership under Laurent Mekies. The Red Bull RB22, powered by the in-house DM01 engine, completed its debut shakedown in Barcelona without major issues, though a crash later disrupted the programme. Mekies described the moment as tense yet special, marking a key milestone for the 2026 Formula 1 season.
The Red Bull-Ford Powertrains collaboration took its first steps on track this week, with a filming day for Racing Bulls at Imola and a collective shakedown at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya. This partnership emerged after Red Bull's talks with Porsche collapsed, as Porsche sought equal footing. Ford's Mark Rushbrook initiated contact by emailing then-Red Bull boss Christian Horner, leading to a pivotal meeting in Dearborn, Michigan. Horner, recalling the encounter, joked about Ford CEO Jim Farley arriving with a Sergio Perez cap, signaling strong enthusiasm from the American side. Horner's advocacy for an in-house engine stemmed from frustrations with previous suppliers Renault and Honda, aiming for better power unit-chassis integration and long-term independence. Rushbrook lauded Horner, stating, “He deserves a lot of respect for what he built in the Red Bull team over 20 years, with the championships and also the technical depth that was built there... Full credit for everything that he's delivered across his career.” Now, with Horner replaced by Laurent Mekies, the focus shifts to the new team principal's engineering expertise. Mekies, previously at Racing Bulls (VCARB), was familiar to Ford through 2026 preparations. Rushbrook noted, “I personally believe that it does help, because he has a better understanding of what it ultimately takes to deliver the car... He's able to support Pierre [Wache], Pedals [Paul Monaghan] and everybody.” This aligns with a Formula 1 trend of engineers ascending to senior roles, akin to Rushbrook's own background at Ford Performance. The RB22's debut on Monday featured Isack Hadjar at the wheel, debuting the DM01—Red Bull's first self-built power unit after years of development. Mekies reflected on the occasion: “We knew it would be a very special moment... It came with that special atmosphere and tension. The last few months and weeks have been incredibly hectic to be ready.” The car hit the track shortly after 9 a.m., with no major issues, though Mekies cautioned against direct comparisons to established manufacturers like Mercedes and Ferrari, adding, “We have to do our homework and we have to do it step by step.” The smooth start was marred Tuesday evening when Hadjar crashed into a barrier, sidelining the car for Wednesday's session. Despite the setback, the tests represent a crucial milestone in Red Bull's ambitious engine project for the 2026 regulations.