Ford boss: Verstappen's feedback is incredibly detailed

Mark Rushbrook, Ford Performance Global Director, spent three and a half years building the engine that now powers Red Bull. In Miami, he told GPblog that Max Verstappen's feedback is remarkably detailed – and it’s proving invaluable for the 2026 power unit development.

Why it matters:

With the new hybrid regulations demanding 50% electric power, driver feel is more critical than ever. Verstappen's ability to translate subtle sensations – from power delivery to energy harvesting – helps engineers at Milton Keynes refine calibration faster than data alone could. Confidence in what the engine will do next is now part of the setup.

The details:

• Beyond the dyno: Rushbrook notes that while simulation shows power curves and peak figures, Verstappen provides context: how power translates to steering feel, pedal response, and rear-end grip. That context turns raw data into actionable insights.
• Confidence factor: Drivers need to trust the electric–thermal transition mid-corner. Verstappen pinpoints where the data looks normal but the car feels off – a difference that can cost tenths of a second.
• Four drivers, four sources: Ford benefits from having Red Bull and RB cars, giving them feedback from Verstappen, Isack Hadjar, Liam Lawson, and Arvid Lindblad across the same circuits. Cross-referencing accelerates calibration.

What's next:

This weekend's Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve marks the first true engine circuit of the season. Its long straights and low-downforce setup will test the power unit under full throttle – and put Verstappen's feedback to the ultimate benchmark.