‘Embarrassing for Mercedes if we were ahead’

The boss of the Red Bull team, Christian Horner, acknowledged that the Formula 1 2026 season could be difficult for the team, but says that the Red Bull internal engines program will be paid because it aims to keep Max Verstappen.

The future of Verstappen has been the subject of numerous speculations despite its Red Bull 2028 contract, the Dutch camp having renewed conversations with Mercedes in the future. It always seems that the quadruple world champion will remain in place for 2026, but he would then be able to observe which manufacturer took the best start with the new food units before weighing his options for 2027 and beyond.

There is no indication that Verstappen himself wishes to leave Red Bull, but his hand could be forced if the team is out of shape under the new regulations, Red Bull bringing ambitious its internal engine program to Red Bull Powertrains, supported by Ford.

Horner is well aware that doing things correctly for 2026 is a huge challenge for the team, and suggested that it would be a black eye for the team’s competition if its engine start-up was ahead of Mercedes.

“We understand the pressure that is next year, with us as a new manufacturer of electric units,” he said. “The challenge of this is enormous. But we have an extremely capable group of people. We have invested considerably. We have a great culture within the team. Who knows?

“To expect that we are ahead of Mercedes next year is … It would be embarrassing for Mercedes if we were, or for any manufacturer. But I think we are going to be in a competitive position, potentially even where we are today compared to our other PU manufacturers. There is everything to play.”

Internal engines “100% the right thing”

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Photo of: Red Bull Content Pool

The discussions are still underway to expand the catch -up mechanisms in the regulations and guarantee that large differences between engine manufacturers are not cooked from the start of the rules cycle, for example by providing a height of additional cost of power and more Dyno time for those who are obviously late.

Meanwhile, Horner is always convinced that the huge investment to become an electric units manufacturer will be worth it in the long term, even if Red Bull, he might need time to put himself equally with his competitors.

“What is great is to have everything under one roof, frame engineers sitting next to engine engineers. This should not be underestimated when you talk about packaging,” he said. “When you have the possibility of having communicating and talking to each other directly on a cup of coffee and in the same establishment, which is invaluable, and this will bring in dividends.

“Perhaps it will not be in ’26, but ’27, ’28, and beyond, in the long term for Red Bull, 100% is the right thing.”

British GP photos – Practical