Horner Hails Red Bull's 2026 Engine as F1's Best: 'Nobody Thought That Was Possible'

Christian Horner has praised Red Bull's power unit division after the FIA rated its 2026 combustion engine as the best on the grid, a remarkable turnaround for an operation that was essentially a startup just a few years ago.

Why it matters:

Red Bull's sudden ascent to engine supremacy has reshaped expectations for the 2026 season. The Milton Keynes squad is running its first fully in-house power unit, yet the FIA's ADUO assessment already ranks it above Ferrari, Mercedes, Honda, and Audi. The drawback is significant: topping the charts means Red Bull is now ineligible for further engine upgrades this year, giving rivals a direct opportunity to erase its advantage.

The Details:

• The FIA's Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) system determined Red Bull had the strongest combustion engine at the start of the 2026 season.
• Horner, who left the team principal role this time last year, told Sky F1 he was stunned by the progress, pointing out that just five years ago the same facility manufactured bubble wrap.
• Partnership praise: Horner credited Exxon Mobil and Ford Motor Company for their contributions, calling the achievement a collective effort that has gone largely underestimated.
• Upgrade freeze: Because the engine was judged best in class, Red Bull cannot introduce further upgrades under the current rules, forcing the team to defend its position with a frozen specification.

What's next:

Red Bull's early engine advantage now faces a stern test, as rivals race to close the gap through their remaining development opportunities. The coming months will reveal whether the Milton Keynes team's initial head start proves decisive or if the inability to upgrade allows competitors like Mercedes and Ferrari to seize the initiative in the tight championship battle.