Sainz: Red Bull Ford engine shows 'clear step ahead' in early 2026 data

Based on GPS data from pre-season testing, Carlos Sainz says the new Red Bull Ford power unit appears to be a 'clear step ahead' of its rivals in the early phase of the 2026 engine development race, echoing similar public praise from Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.

Why it matters:

The 2026 season introduces radically new power unit regulations, making this early phase a critical indicator of long-term competitive order. If Red Bull Ford has indeed unlocked a significant early advantage in energy management—a cornerstone of the new rules—it could set the stage for another period of dominance, reshaping the grid before the cars even hit the track for the first race.

The details:

• During Bahrain testing, Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff pointed to Red Bull's car as a 'benchmark,' specifically praising its exceptional deployment of electric energy.
• Williams driver Carlos Sainz, who reviewed the GPS data, corroborated the view, stating the Red Bull Ford unit was not just a small step, but a 'clear step ahead' and 'mighty impressive.'
• The 2026 regulations mandate a major shift, with electric power output tripling and accounting for roughly 50% of total power, while battery capacity remains limited.
• This creates a complex energy management puzzle, where drivers must carefully harvest and deploy electrical energy each lap to avoid depleting the battery.
• Sainz emphasized that the key to the new era is the seamless integration of the power unit, gearbox, and driver preferences into one cohesive system, rather than treating them as separate components.

What's next:

While testing data is notoriously deceptive, the consistent observations from both a team principal and a rival driver are significant. All teams will now analyze this data intensely as they refine their own 2026 packages. The true picture will only emerge at the first race, but Red Bull Ford has undeniably served an early warning shot to the entire grid.