P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Red Bull is gearing up to become a power unit supplier in Formula 1 in 2026 for the first time.
Red Bull Powertrains’ technical director Ben Hodgkinson shared that Max Verstappen was impressed by the new factory during a recent tour. Red Bull has been using Honda engines under the ‘Red Bull Powertrains’ banner since 2022, but they will be introducing their own in-house unit for the ’26 regulations. Ford is collaborating with Red Bull, providing technical assistance for the new power unit, which will feature 350kw of battery power, an upgrade from the current 120kw, with the removal of the MGU-H. Verstappen visited the Milton Keynes facility to witness the preparations firsthand as Red Bull gears up to become one of the new power unit suppliers alongside Audi in 2026. Hodgkinson described Verstappen’s positive impressions of the facilities and the attention to detail, expressing confidence in Verstappen’s technical acumen and anticipating the challenges and opportunities the new power unit presents for the driver.
