P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen has already heard Red Bull’s new F1 engine for 2026 and, so far, he has liked what he has heard.
Max Verstappen has already heard Red Bull’s new Formula 1 engine for 2026 and, so far, he has liked what he has heard. Red Bull will embark on a new era with the upcoming regulation overhaul, as it will produce its own powertrain for the first time in collaboration with Ford. The new engines will split power evenly between the electrical systems and the internal combustion engine, which will be run on fully sustainable biofuels. Verstappen confirmed he has heard the Red Bull-Ford unit on the dyno and described it as sounding good and crisp, though it’s not a V10. Verstappen’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen, urged caution when discussing expectations for 2026 as the Dutchman bids to add to his four Drivers’ Championships. The team is optimistic about the engine but acknowledges the uncertainty of performance without a clear reference point. Red Bull is focused on a fresh approach and will closely monitor the engine’s performance in the first races of the season to assess its true potential.
