Red Bull Expects to Trail Rivals in Early 2026 with New Ford Power Unit

Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies has conceded that the team expects to be "trailing" its competitors at the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season. As Red Bull prepares to manufacture its own power unit in partnership with Ford for the first time, the team anticipates a steep learning curve under the new technical regulations.

Why it matters:

The 2026 season represents a massive risk for Red Bull. After narrowly missing the 2025 title to Lando Norris, the team is embarking on a transition that historically takes years to perfect. Starting behind established manufacturers like Mercedes and Ferrari could severely hamper Max Verstappen's chances of reclaiming the championship in a year where the competitive landscape is being redrawn.

The Details:

• The Reality Check: Mekies emphasized that it would be "naive" to believe a team building an engine from scratch could immediately match manufacturers with decades of experience. He openly expects "sleepless nights" and "headaches" in the early rounds.
• Grid Dynamics: Red Bull Powertrains will supply both the senior team and Racing Bulls. They face a crowded field of experienced suppliers: Mercedes (McLaren, Williams, Alpine), Ferrari (Haas, Cadillac), Audi (Sauber), and Honda (Aston Martin).
• Leadership Context: This challenge falls to a reshuffled leadership structure. Mekies, who replaced Christian Horner mid-2025, will look to replicate the late-season surge that saw Verstappen win six of the final nine races last year.
• Verstappen's Position: The champion remains committed despite the uncertainty. He acknowledged the difficulty of the project, noting that while everyone is "giving it everything," success is not guaranteed in the short term.

Looking Ahead:

Red Bull is banking on an aggressive development trajectory to close the gap throughout the season.

• Rapid Evolution: Mekies predicts a development rate "multiplied by three or four" compared to standard seasons as they race to learn and upgrade both the chassis and power unit.
• A New Era: Verstappen will begin his first season without advisor Dr. Helmut Marko, marking a significant cultural shift. The focus now shifts to the Australian Grand Prix on March 8, where the true extent of the deficit will be revealed.