P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Red Bull is set to become F1’s newest power unit manufacturer in the 2026 season.
RB’s power unit boss Ben Hodgkinson emphasized the potential impact of the internal combustion engine (ICE) in F1’s upcoming era. The 2026 power units will see a balance between enhanced electrical systems and the ICE, with new batteries capable of generating 350kw of energy, a significant increase from the previous 120kw output. The final designs are pending submission to the FIA, with Mercedes, Ferrari, Honda, Audi, and RBPT supplying units to the 11 teams on the grid. RBPT, in collaboration with Ford, is unique as a non-manufacturer design provider, with a focus on the ICE as a key competitive battleground. Hodgkinson highlighted the collaborative efforts with fuel partner Exxon Mobil to maximize ICE performance and the engineering challenges posed by sustainable fuels in achieving optimal combustion. Despite hurdles, the engineers find the development process of sustainable fuels to be an engaging and intricate endeavor.
