Red Bull officially launched the Ford era on Thursday night when they revealed their 2026 Formula 1 livery in Detroit.
The six-time F1 constructors’ champions are building their own power units for the first time with the help of the American giants. The deal will also encompass sister team Racing Bulls.
Max Verstappen is looking to regain his title this year after McLaren’s Lando Norris ended his run of four in a row in 2025. That will be an extremely tough ask, though, as Red Bull go up against engine manufacturers with decades of experience.
Verstappen was already a Ford ambassador before this year, driving the Mustang GTD in two promotional videos.
Max Verstappen drove to the British Grand Prix in a Ford Mustang Mach-E
At last year’s British Grand Prix, Sky Sports presenter Ted Kravitz showcased some of the drivers’ road cars on the F1 Show.
Verstappen was driving the rally edition of the all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E, which is worth around £75k.
Meanwhile, his former rival Lewis Hamilton preferred two wheels, riding a Ducati Panigale V4.
Norris, who won the race, showed off his customised, carbon-fibre McLaren 765LT, which was even equipped with F1-style Pirelli tyres.
“Check out Max Verstappen’s cool Ford Mach-E rally version with those rally tyres,” Kravitz commented. “Nice!
Turning to Hamilton’s bike, he said: “This is very much more than a moped, the Panigale V4 Ducati. Absolutely beautiful stuff.
“Then we have Charles Leclerc also in a Ferrari, it’s Lando Norris’ own McLaren and then Zak Brown’s Speedtail, his beautiful McLaren.
“Lando can get out with his special Pirelli tyres on his carbon fibre McLaren, then he can come and sign some autographs.”
Max Verstappen’s personal sponsorships including TAG Heuer and Heineken
Verstappen is one of the best-paid athletes in the world, with his earnings boosted by a series of endorsement deals.
He represents fashion brand AlphaTauri (formerly the title sponsors of Racing Bulls), Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer and sports merchandise business Fanatics.
In 2023, Verstappen memorably appeared in an advert for Dutch beer company Heineken, promoting responsible drinking.
Verstappen has also worked with EA Sports, carrying their logo on his helmet in 2024 when he was the cover star of the official F1 video game (Champions’ Edition).
- READ MORE: Every 2026 Formula 1 drivers’ net worth as Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen dwarf rivals
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