Crucial engine meeting set; key Red Bull figure departs – round-up

A crucial meeting for Formula 1's 2026 power unit regulations is set for Wednesday, while Red Bull's chief designer Craig Skinner, a key architect of the dominant RB19, is departing. These developments headline a busy news day ahead of the final pre-season test in Bahrain.

Why it matters:

The Power Unit Advisory Committee (PUAC) meeting could influence the competitive landscape for the 2026 engine regulations, a critical juncture for manufacturers. Simultaneously, Red Bull's technical team sees a significant departure, testing the stability of a squad that has delivered championship-winning cars.

The details:

• 2026 Engine Regulation Meeting: The PUAC meeting on Wednesday may address reported discussions around compression ratio checks or regulations. At least one manufacturer could be impacted just weeks before the 2024 season begins, setting a precedent for the 2026 ruleset.
• Red Bull Design Chief Exit: Craig Skinner, Red Bull's chief designer for the past four seasons and a central figure behind the record-breaking RB19, is leaving the team of his own accord ahead of the new campaign. Red Bull thanked him for his "integral" role in their success.
• Alpine's Potential New Junior: Irish driver Alex Dunne, formerly with McLaren, has been testing a Formula 2 car in Alpine Academy livery. A move to the Alpine junior program is understood to be agreed in principle.
• Pirelli's Desert Wet Test: Pirelli plans several wet tyre tests in 2024, including one at the Bahrain International Circuit on February 28th and March 1st. McLaren and Mercedes will supply mule cars for the desert test, made possible by the circuit's ability to introduce water across the track.
• Smedley's Ferrari Critique: Former Ferrari race engineer Rob Smedley gave a withering assessment of some team radio practices, specifically criticizing the phrase "we'll get back to you." He emphasized that immediate, confident feedback is crucial for a driver performing at the limit, and delays can erode trust and create tension in the driver-engineer relationship.

What's next:

All eyes turn to the track for the final pre-season test in Bahrain, where teams will gather crucial data. The outcomes of the PUAC meeting and the integration of Skinner's replacement at Red Bull will be closely monitored as the 2024 season approaches.