In the realm of circulating rumors and concerns surrounding Red Bull’s engine development, team principal Christian Horner has confidently addressed these apprehensions. Looking ahead to Formula 1’s revised power unit regulations set to commence in 2026, which will eliminate the MGU-H component and prioritize electric power through the MGU-K alongside sustainable fuels, Red Bull Racing is making strides in their engine development. Spearheading this endeavor for both Red Bull and its sister team is the Red Bull Powertrains facility in Milton Keynes, in collaboration with Ford.
In an interview with Motorsport.com, Horner expressed, “We are achieving the goals we have set for ourselves.” While recognizing the challenges of gauging their progress compared to their competitors, he emphasized the immense efforts taking place behind the scenes. Horner explained, “The behind-the-scenes effort is monumental because we are racing against the clock to reach the start of 2026.” He described their development trajectory as ambitious due to their status as a new power unit manufacturer. Nevertheless, Horner commended his team’s response to these challenges and highlighted the fully operational testing, development, and manufacturing facilities at their disposal.
Despite the limited timeframe of only two years remaining, Horner maintains an optimistic outlook. He stated, “We are on a steep learning curve, but we are where we expected to be at this point in time.” Speculations regarding potential issues with the engine development have raised concerns about the future of three-time world champion Max Verstappen’s partnership with the team. However, Verstappen dismissed these speculations as premature, humorously remarking, “I might be worried if I’m still alive tomorrow, right? So, I don’t really concern myself with that too much.” He further assured fans of his close communication with Horner and his active involvement in the team’s efforts. Verstappen added, “Everyone is working tirelessly, so there is no need to panic. It’s not yet 2026.”
Acknowledging the magnitude of the challenge, Verstappen acknowledged that surpassing established manufacturers would not be a simple task. However, he maintained his enthusiasm for the ongoing work and the collective talent within the team. Verstappen stated, “We understand that it is an enormous undertaking, and we do not underestimate it. With numerous well-established engine manufacturers, we do not believe it will be easy to surpass them.” Nevertheless, he expressed confidence in the team’s capabilities, concluding optimistically, “We have a team of highly skilled individuals working on the project, and we are incredibly excited about it. Only time will reveal the outcome.”