Red Bull's Mekies: Building Our Own Engine Was 'Crazy'

Red Bull's team principal, Laurent Mekies, has labeled the team's ambitious decision to build its own 2026 power unit as "the craziest decision one can take." Despite the immense challenge of competing with manufacturers that have 90 years of experience, Mekies framed the high-risk project as a quintessential Red Bull move, embracing the upcoming "tough months" and "sleepless nights" with the support of partner Ford.

Why it matters:

Red Bull is betting its future on a high-risk, high-reward strategy. Moving from a customer team to a full-fledged manufacturer is a monumental leap, and the success of this project will determine whether they can maintain their championship-contending status through the next era of F1. This gamble could either cement them as an all-conquering powerhouse or set them back significantly against established giants like Mercedes and Ferrari.

The details:

• Mekies didn't hold back, calling the decision to build a power unit with Ford "the craziest decision one can take" and "a call that only Red Bull can make."
• The scale of the operation is massive, with a new facility, dynamometers, and a team of 600 people built from the ground up to compete with manufacturers boasting decades of experience.
• The team principal is managing expectations, stating it "would be naive to think that we are going to land it on the top spot straight away" when the new regulations debut in 2026.
• He emphasized that the team "loves the challenge," framing the immense undertaking as a source of pride and a core part of the Red Bull identity.

What's next:

The project is in its final stages ahead of its on-track debut, but Mekies is bracing for a difficult period. He anticipates "many sleepless nights, a few headaches" as the team works to refine the power unit and integrate it with the new chassis. Despite the near-term challenges, Red Bull remains committed to the long-term goal of fighting at the front, viewing the struggle as a "privilege" and a core part of their competitive DNA.