Red Bull and Ford view Verstappen as ‘one of the most important pillars’ for their ‘Mount Everest’ power unit project

Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies and Ford CEO Jim Farley have underlined the importance of four-time World Champion Max Verstappen when it comes to the success of their new power unit partnership.

Ahead of overhauled regulations coming into play next season, Red Bull Powertrains have been working in collaboration with Ford to develop engines that will be used by both Red Bull Racing and sister outfit Racing Bulls.

With current supplier Honda heading to Aston Martin, Mekies described the decision to make an engine from scratch as “the sort of crazy stuff Red Bull does” and likened the challenge to climbing Mount Everest.

As work continues at pace, Farley and Mekies – who appeared together at the recent Italian Grand Prix – both pointed to Verstappen as being a key part of the process on and off the track.

“I think this is one of the most important pillars or foundation for the PU’s (power unit) success,” Farley told Sky Sports News.

“Talking to Max… we at Ford really have grown our respect for Max watching him this year. The way he has provided stability – without drama – in an environment where we’re all just trying to do our jobs. I can really see that in his eyes today versus last year.

“I think it’s one of the great things about Laurent and his team, that they all have this deep commitment to each other.”

Opening up on just how involved Verstappen is, Mekies added: “Max is doing a lot more than just asking for the numbers. You would be surprised. Max is giving so much to the projects also outside of the car.

“He’s not just asking the numbers, he’s testing the car in the simulators, he’s working with engineers on both sides of the fence to understand how do we develop these 2026 cars? Where do we try to get the power? Where do we try to get the downforce?

“So, that's how central to the project he is. He certainly wants a fast car next year, and he’s doing everything he can in the car and outside the car to help us give him that.”