Red Bull Powertrains chief says Verstappen offers key 2026 advantage

Red Bull Powertrains technical director Ben Hodgkinson believes Max Verstappen's "world-class" ability to process information at high speeds will provide a crucial advantage as the team enters the new engine era in 2026. Despite the immense challenge of building power units in-house for the first time, Hodgkinson is confident that Verstappen's mastery over the complex energy deployment requirements of the new regulations will help bridge the gap against established manufacturers like Mercedes and Ferrari.

Why it matters:

Red Bull is undertaking its biggest technical challenge since entering Formula 1 by producing its own power units in partnership with Ford. This transition marks a significant shift for the team, moving away from Honda's support and requiring them to develop engine expertise from scratch. In a field dominated by manufacturers with decades of experience, having a driver who can maximize the unit's potential through superior management could be the differentiating factor in their championship aspirations.

The details:

• Complex Regulations: The 2026 power unit regulations feature a near 50/50 split between internal combustion and electrical power. This shift significantly increases the importance of the Energy Recovery System (ERS) in overall performance.
• Strategic Deployment: Hodgkinson noted that the high electrical output means drivers will have more strategic choices to make regarding energy deployment during a race, increasing the workload inside the cockpit.
• Verstappen's Edge: The technical director highlighted that while Verstappen has already provided input in the simulator, his true value will be on track. Hodgkinson praised Verstappen's ability to process data and make decisions while traveling at over 200 mph as "absolutely world class."
• New Era: The comments came during the unveiling of the RB22 livery in Detroit, an event that officially kicked off Red Bull's new era with Ford as a technical partner.

The big picture:

The Milton Keynes-based team is effectively writing a new chapter in its history, navigating the 2026 transition without key figures like Christian Horner and Helmut Marko. While the lack of historical engine data is a hurdle, the team is banking on its operational excellence and the unique synergy between its chassis department and the new powertrain division. Hodgkinson's comments suggest that Red Bull is not just trying to match the manufacturers but intends to leverage its driver talent to outsmart them.

What's next:

As development intensifies towards the 2026 debut, the focus will shift to track testing where the theoretical advantages of Verstappen's driving style can be quantified. If the team can successfully integrate the complex power unit with a competitive chassis, Red Bull is poised to remain a dominant force despite the steep learning curve of engine manufacturing.