Max Verstappen Reveals Red Bull's Extensive Testing of New F1 Power Unit

Max Verstappen has detailed the extensive experimental programs Red Bull ran during the first day of pre-season testing in Bahrain, highlighting a steep learning curve for the team's new in-house power unit division. The reigning champion emphasized that while rivals have decades of experience, Red Bull Powertrains is methodically testing every procedure a seasoned manufacturer would take for granted.

Why it matters:

This marks Red Bull's first full season as a genuine power unit manufacturer with its Red Bull Powertrains-Ford project, a monumental strategic shift. Successfully managing this transition is critical not only for Red Bull Racing's title defense but also for the competitive level of sister team VCARB. Any reliability or performance gaps in this new, complex area could become a significant vulnerability against established engine giants like Mercedes and Ferrari.

The Details:

• Verstappen completed a field-high 136 laps in the RB20, providing a massive data haul, despite finishing the day second on the timesheets behind McLaren's Lando Norris.
• The core focus was not on lap time but on validating race weekend procedures and systems with the new power unit, something Verstappen noted is "more straightforward" for long-time manufacturers.
• A New Project's Reality: Verstappen framed the day as foundational learning, stating, "Red Bull Ford Powertrains is still a completely new project... so there is so much to keep learning and figuring out ahead of the first race."
• Testing Everything: The team deliberately ran through "a lot of testing procedures that we might run into during a race weekend," acknowledging that as a new entrant, "you need to test it all."
• Comparative Analysis: The Dutchman also valued the opportunity to run the car at a track with different characteristics (Bahrain) compared to the earlier shakedown at Barcelona, aiding overall car understanding.

What's Next:

Verstappen returns to the cockpit on Friday for the final day of the test, where the program will likely intensify. The true test of this experimental phase will come at the Bahrain Grand Prix next week, where reliability and performance under full competitive conditions will be judged. The learning curve Verstappen referenced will need to flatten rapidly once the season begins.