Verstappen: New Red Bull-Ford 2026 Engine 'Sounds Good'

Max Verstappen has offered his first impressions of the new Red Bull Powertrains-Ford engine, confirming he's heard it fired up on a dyno and describing its sound as "good" and "crisp." The three-time world champion's early feedback comes as Red Bull prepares for its ambitious debut as a power unit manufacturer under the sport's new 2026 regulations. This is a critical project for the team following Honda's departure and their narrow championship loss in 2025.

Why it matters:

Red Bull's entire 2026 championship aspirations hinge on the success of its in-house power unit. After dominating the turbo-hybrid era with Honda, the team is taking on the immense challenge and risk of building its own engine. The performance and reliability of this power unit will not only determine Verstappen's chances of reclaiming his title but also reshape the competitive landscape of Formula 1.

The details:

• Verstappen's Verdict: On the 'Talking Bull' podcast, Verstappen confirmed hearing the engine, saying, "It sounded good. Of course, you hear it on a dyno, but it sounded, like, crisp." He added with a laugh, "I mean, it’s not a V10."
• 2026 Context: The new engine will operate under significantly different regulations, featuring a 50/50 split between electrical and internal combustion power and running on 100% sustainable fuels.
• Cautious Optimism: Verstappen's manager, Raymond Vermeulen, echoed the sentiment of uncertainty surrounding the new rules. He noted that while they "hear good things about the engine," there is no clear performance benchmark yet, asking, "What’s the reference for next year? Nobody knows."

What's next:

The positive sound is a small first step; the true test will be the engine's performance and reliability on the track. With the 2026 regulations creating a level playing field of sorts, the opening races of the season will be critical in establishing the new competitive order. All eyes will be on Red Bull to see if their ambitious project can challenge established manufacturers like Mercedes and Ferrari from the outset.