Ford Racing sees Red Bull Ford Powertrains partnership achieve first podium success in Canada

Montreal, Canada - Ford Racing marked its return to the F1 podium for the first time in 23 years as Oracle Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen secured third place at the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix, powered by Red Bull Ford Powertrains.

Qualifying saw Verstappen secure a sixth-place start, but the flying Dutchman soon moved up to fourth place within the first three laps as cars ahead committed to early tyre changes. An entertaining tussle between Verstappen and the Ferrari of Lewis Hamilton eventually saw Max confirm his spot on the third step of the podium.

A successful weekend for Verstappen, having also secured points with his seventh-place finish in the Sprint on Saturday, closely followed by Visa Cash App Racing Bulls’ Arvid Lindbald in eighth place.

Verstappen’s teammate Isack Hadjar also enjoyed his best result of the season in Montreal, claiming fifth spot on the day after starting seventh on the grid.

While Visa Cash App Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson showed strong race management to secure a seventh-place finish, teammate Lindblad’s Sunday was brought to an unfortunate early end on the starting grid.

Both cars for Oracle Red Bull Racing and Lawson securing their best results of the season is a tribute to the incredible work that the Red Bull Ford Powertrains team have done in this new era of engines and regulations. 

For Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Racing, this was another milestone in the journey that started in 2022 with a phone call to Red Bull that triggered Ford’s return. ‘Seeing Max secure a first podium of the Red Bull Ford Powertrains era is a landmark moment for our partnership. It has been fantastic to witness the remarkable effort that has gone into the preparation for the 2026 season, and this result is a well-earned marker of the efforts of both Oracle Red Bull Racing and Ford Racing.

The F1 season continues in just one week in Monaco as the teams will look to carry their Montreal momentum into round six of their respective campaigns.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough EVs along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford is pursuing mobility solutions through Ford Next, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 177,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.

About Ford Racing

Ford Racing is based in Dearborn, Mich. It is responsible for Ford’s performance vehicle development and major racing operations globally, including NASCAR, IMSA, SRO British GT, FIA World Rally Championship, Supercars Championship, World of Outlaws, Ultra4, SCORE-International, FIA Rally-Raid, Formula Drift, NHRA, Rebelle Rally, Thailand Super Series and our latest commitment in Formula 1 with Red Bull Ford Powertrains. Ford Racing also maintains a constantly evolving fleet of electric performance demonstrators to showcase the limits of electrification technology. In addition, the organization also oversees the development of Ford's racing engines, as well as the outreach programs with all Ford Clubs and Ford enthusiasts. For more information regarding Ford racing's activities, please visit Racing.Ford.com or follow @FordRacing on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, TikTok and YouTube.