Verstappen Tours Red Bull Powertrains for 2026 Engine Update
Summary
Verstappen visited Red Bull Powertrains for a 2026 engine update. After Monza, Red Bull tackles the 'Everest' of independent PU supply with Ford.
Max Verstappen visited Red Bull's Powertrains facility in Milton Keynes on Thursday, following his Italian Grand Prix win, to review the crucial 2026 power unit project.
Why it matters:
Red Bull faces an "Everest to climb" (as Mercedes' Toto Wolff put it) becoming an independent F1 power unit manufacturer for 2026, a move to rival established suppliers.
The Details:
- Verstappen, with Laurent Mekies, Ben Hodgkinson, and Helmut Marko, toured the facility. Red Bull Powertrains is preparing its first autonomous F1 power unit as the Honda partnership concludes.
- Mekies emphasized the "unbelievable challenge," highlighting Red Bull's aggressive strategy to rapidly develop the PU and infrastructure.
- Ford's Mark Rushbrook confirmed an integrated, natural collaboration, evolving over three years.
Leadership & Focus:
Christian Horner's recent removal led to Laurent Mekies' promotion. Ford's Rushbrook noted a 'different feel' but stressed the team's unified focus on developing a winning 2026 power unit and car, alongside current performance.
Original Article :https://www.planetf1.com/news/max-verstappen-visit-ford-red-bull-powertrains-mil...