P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Red Bull’s new engine caught George Russell by surprise at the recent Barcelona F1 test
Mercedes Formula 1 driver George Russell praised Red Bull’s new power unit as “very impressive” after the Barcelona pre-season test last month, where the new engine showed strong performance and reliability.
The 2026 Red Bull and Racing Bulls teams are using in-house-developed Red Bull Powertrain units with input from Ford, garnering positive feedback from Russell.
Russell highlighted the reliability and performance of the Red Bull power unit, emphasizing that it looks promising for the upcoming season.
While Mercedes had a strong first test at Barcelona, Russell remained cautious given the team’s experience of unexpected issues in the past.
Russell mentioned that the team is cautiously optimistic and satisfied with their progress, acknowledging the potential competitiveness of their rivals with reliable power units.
The driver concluded that Mercedes must remain vigilant and continue to work diligently to ensure the car meets expectations and performs consistently throughout the season.
