McLaren CEO Brown calls Red Bull's new F1 engine 'very, very strong'

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has identified the new Red Bull-Ford power unit as a standout performer from Formula 1's recent Barcelona shakedown, praising its surprising combination of speed and reliability under the new 2026 regulations. This performance comes amidst a simmering technical controversy, as rival teams question the legality of the Mercedes engine's design approach to the same rules.

Why it matters:

The early performance of the new 2026 power units sets the tone for the next era of F1 competition. Red Bull's apparent success in developing a competitive engine as a new manufacturer challenges the established order, while the dispute over Mercedes' interpretation of the compression ratio rule threatens to spark a political and technical battle before the season even begins, putting the FIA's regulatory oversight to an immediate test.

The details:

• Brown specifically highlighted the Red Bull-Ford engine as "very, very strong" and a positive surprise from the Barcelona test, noting its impressive reliability for a new and complex power unit.
• McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella echoed this sentiment, grouping Red Bull with Mercedes and Ferrari as suppliers who have "all got off to a good start."
• The Mercedes Controversy: The strong early showing occurs against a backdrop of controversy. Rivals allege Mercedes has exploited a loophole in the new 16:1 compression ratio limit—a rule designed to help new manufacturers—by designing an engine that operates at a higher ratio when hot.
• Brown's Defense: Brown dismissed rivals' concerns as "typical politics," firmly stating the Mercedes engine is "totally compliant within the rules" and passed all FIA tests. He downplayed the significance of any perceived advantage.
• FIA's Stance: FIA Single-Seater Director Nikolas Tombazis confirmed the governing body is working to resolve the issue before the season opener in Australia, emphasizing a desire to settle competition on the track, not in meetings or courtrooms. He explained the 16:1 limit was a deliberate compromise to aid new manufacturers.

What's next:

The focus now shifts to the FIA and whether it can broker a solution acceptable to all parties before cars hit the track in Melbourne. Tombazis's comments indicate a strong desire for a pre-season resolution. Brown expressed confidence all Mercedes-powered teams, including McLaren, will be on the grid regardless, but the situation underscores the intense gamesmanship that accompanies major regulatory changes in Formula 1.