Red Bull Downplays Initial Parity for 2026 F1 Engine, Calls Project an 'Everest'

Laurent Mekies, Red Bull's team principal, admitted it would be “silly” to expect their new F1 2026 engine to match the performance of established manufacturers like Ferrari and Mercedes from the outset. This statement follows previous claims, including one from former team principal Christian Horner, who suggested it would be “embarrassing” for current suppliers if Red Bull delivered a superior engine on its first attempt.

Why it matters:

Red Bull’s decision to develop its own power unit, Red Bull Powertrains (RBPT) in collaboration with Ford, marks a significant and ambitious undertaking. Success in this venture is crucial for the team’s long-term competitiveness under the new engine regulations, which introduce 50% electrification and fully sustainable fuels.

The big picture:

• Horner's initial assessment: Christian Horner previously described the in-house engine program as “by far the biggest challenge” Red Bull has faced since entering F1 in 2005.
• Rival perspectives: Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff likened Red Bull's engine project to “climbing Mount Everest,” echoing the sentiment of the monumental task ahead.
• Mekies's realism: Speaking at the Italian Grand Prix, Mekies conceded the project is “as crazy as it gets” but firmly a “Red Bull challenge.” He emphasized the need for a realistic outlook given the decades of experience held by competitors.

The challenge:

Red Bull Powertrains faces a steep learning curve against rivals who have been developing F1 engines for decades. Mekies outlined the team's approach:

• Maximal effort: The program is being set up “the Red Bull way – at the maximum possible level.”
• Step-by-step progress: Development will proceed incrementally, focusing on ramping up both the power unit itself and the supporting infrastructure and personnel.
• Intense period ahead: The team anticipates a year of “hard work, a lot of sleepless nights” to reach the required performance level.

Industry landscape:

Mercedes notably dominated F1 after the last major engine rule changes in 2014, securing eight consecutive Constructors’ titles. Recent reports have also suggested that several of the five F1 2026 engine manufacturers—Red Bull-Ford, Mercedes, Ferrari, Honda, and Audi—are encountering significant development issues, though specifics remain undisclosed.