Lawson hails Red Bull's surprise-strong 2026 power unit

Liam Lawson says Red Bull's 2026 power unit has exceeded expectations, delivering performance that even its own team didn't anticipate. The Austrian outfit's in-house engine, now also supplied to Racing Bulls, is already being called the strongest on the grid. Lawson's praise highlights how the unit has become the biggest strength of the midfield team's new car.

Why it matters:

• Red Bull's self-made engine could shift the competitive balance, giving a midfield team a genuine fight for points.
• A season-one power unit that outperforms rivals challenges the notion that only established manufacturers can dominate under the new regulations.

The details:

• Lawson told RacingNews365 the power unit "has been very, very strong" and "nobody expected it to be like this" for a first-year design.
• He noted the car extracts the engine's potential each weekend, but still lacks a bit of raw speed and downforce.
• The engine's surprise performance also boosts Racing Bulls, whose chassis is otherwise a solid midfield package.

What's next:

• Lawson expects that once the aerodynamic shortfall is solved, the team could consistently challenge for podium-adjacent positions.
• Red Bull will continue to develop the unit, aiming to keep the performance edge while supplying other customer teams.
• The 2026 season could see a tighter midfield battle as more teams benefit from the power unit's unexpected strength.