Verstappen says Barcelona laps are 'key' to unlocking Red Bull's 2026 engine

Max Verstappen believes the century of laps he completed on the final day of Formula 1's Barcelona shakedown will be crucial for Red Bull to understand its new in-house power unit. The team's RB22, powered by the new Red Bull Powertrains-Ford engine, showed promising early signs of competitiveness and reliability during the test, despite a disrupted start due to a crash for rookie Isack Hadjar.

Why it matters:

This test marks the first major on-track evaluation for one of F1's two completely new power unit manufacturers for the 2026 season, the other being Audi. For Red Bull, successfully developing its own engine is a monumental technical challenge that will define its competitive future after the current era of Honda partnership. A strong and reliable power unit is the foundational pillar for any title challenge, making these initial shakedown miles invaluable.

The details:

• Verstappen tallied 118 laps at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Friday, setting a best time of 1:17.586 while gathering critical data.
• The Dutch driver, who was ill earlier in the week, emphasized the importance of the extended running, calling the lap count "really the key" to the learning process.
• Early feedback suggests the new engine is a solid starting point. Verstappen noted the emotional reaction in the garage to seeing the power unit complete so many laps reliably on its first real test.
• The program was not without hiccups; Tuesday's running was limited after test driver Isack Hadjar crashed the RB22, highlighting the typical teething problems of a new car.

What's next:

The work is far from over, with Verstappen acknowledging the engine is a "complicated formula" that requires more understanding and setup optimization. The team will analyze the data from Barcelona before the official pre-season test in Bahrain next month. The Bahrain test will be the final and most significant opportunity to refine the package before the competitive lights go out for the 2026 season, setting the stage for Red Bull's ambitious solo engine project.