Red Bull-Ford 2026 Engine Progressing 'According to Plan'

Ford's technical director, Mark Rushbrook, reports that the Red Bull-Ford 2026 power unit is progressing "according to plan," meeting initial development goals. This positive news comes as the partnership prepares for its first major on-track test in Barcelona, a critical milestone for the new engine. The project marks Red Bull's ambitious and risky move into in-house power unit manufacturing for the first time.

Why it matters:

This is a high-stakes gamble for Red Bull and Max Verstappen. After years of relying on manufacturers like Renault and Honda, building a competitive power unit from scratch is essential for the team's long-term success and retaining its star driver. A successful engine could cement Red Bull as a true powerhouse, while failure could jeopardize their championship aspirations for years to come.

The details:

• On-Track Debut: The first real-world test for the power unit is a private session in Barcelona next month. Rushbrook called it an "important day and an important week" to see if three years of work pays off.
• Simulation vs. Reality: Despite meeting targets, Ford acknowledges "natural nerves," stressing that computer simulations and lab work can only reveal so much. The true test comes when all components are unified on the track.
• Current Focus: With initial power and reliability goals met, the development has shifted heavily towards drivability and calibration. This involves work with computer models, lab hardware, and driver-in-the-loop simulator sessions.
• A Level Playing Field: The massive 2026 regulatory reset means all manufacturers are working from the same blueprint. Rushbrook believes most teams have calculated similar theoretical performance ceilings, making efficiency in execution the key differentiator.

What's next:

The Barcelona test will provide the first concrete data on the power unit's real-world performance and reliability. Following the test, the focus will be on refining the engine based on the findings, with the ultimate goal of delivering a competitive and reliable package for the start of the 2026 season. All eyes will be on Red Bull Powertrains to see if they can translate their on-track dominance into engineering excellence under the hood.