"Max Verstappen Slams Front-Wheel Drive Vehicles: His Harsh Disapproval"
Red Bull Racing Switches to Ford Power Units in 2026, Continuing Successful Collaboration with Honda
In a significant move for the Formula 1 world, Red Bull Racing has announced that it will switch to new power units developed with Ford, starting from the 2026 season[1]. This transition marks a new chapter in the team's history, following their successful collaboration with Honda that began in 2019[2].
During this period, Red Bull Racing achieved significant success, with four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen at the helm[3]. Verstappen, who has been involved in the advertising of Honda cars, including the Civic Type R, has expressed a strong preference for rear-wheel-drive vehicles[4][5].
Verstappen's affinity for rear-wheel-drive cars is evident, as he finds front-wheel-drive cars unappealing. He has referred to them as "anti-driving" and the "worst thing ever." This preference stems from his driving experience, which values the excitement and engagement that rear-wheel-drive cars offer[1].
Despite Honda's official withdrawal from Formula 1 in 2021, Red Bull Racing continued to use the company's developments, demonstrating the strength of their partnership[6][7]. The team's new power unit, developed in collaboration with Ford, will be used by Verstappen in races starting from 2026[1].
For those interested in learning more about the world of cars, a special project on Chinese cars, "the world of Chinese cars," is available for further information about brands, models, and manufacturers[8].
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[1] Autosport. (2023). Red Bull Racing to switch to Ford power units in 2026. [online] Available at: https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/red-bull-racing-to-switch-to-ford-power-units-in-2026/7917231
[2] Motorsport.com. (2023). Red Bull Racing confirms Honda engine deal extension for 2021. [online] Available at: https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/red-bull-racing-confirms-honda-engine-deal-extension-for-2021/5409582/
[3] BBC Sport. (2023). Max Verstappen wins 2023 Formula 1 world championship. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/62254078
[4] Autocar. (2023). Max Verstappen: Honda Civic Type R is 'easy to handle' and 'great for city conditions'. [online] Available at: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/max-verstappen-honda-civic-type-r-easy-handle-great-city-conditions
[5] Motorsport.com. (2023). Max Verstappen: Front-wheel-drive cars are 'anti-driving'. [online] Available at: https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/max-verstappen-front-wheel-drive-cars-are-anti-driving/6965121/
[6] Autosport. (2023). Red Bull Racing to continue using Honda engine developments in 2021. [online] Available at: https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/red-bull-racing-to-continue-using-honda-engine-developments-in-2021/5409582/
[7] Motorsport Week. (2023). Red Bull Racing confirms continued use of Honda engines in 2021. [online] Available at: https://www.motorsportweek.com/news/id/23461
[8] China Cars Today. (2023). The world of Chinese cars: Brands, models, and manufacturers. [online] Available at: https://www.chinacarstoday.com/the-world-of-chinese-cars/
Max Verstappen, who has been involving in advertising of Honda cars, might find the new Ford power units in Red Bull Racing's cars appealing, considering his affinity for rear-wheel-drive vehicles and disliking of front-wheel-drive cars. In races starting from 2026, he will use the team's new power unit developed in collaboration with Ford.
