Marko provides update on Red Bull's own engine development ahead of 2026 season

12:53, 08 Jun 2025
Updated: 12:56, 08 Jun 2025
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Red Bull Racing is now just six months away from embarking on a major new venture. Starting in 2026, Max Verstappen’s team will power their cars with engines developed and built entirely in-house, in partnership with Ford. Helmut Marko has provided the latest update on the project.
For some time, there has been buzz in the paddock that things with Red Bull Powertrains aren’t progressing as hoped. Whispers suggest that their power units aren’t as powerful as Mercedes’. This all came before the FIA’s decision to reduce the battery’s contribution in the new engine, a move that favors Red Bull, which might face challenges with the electric side of their power unit.

Marko's statement about Red Bull Powertrains

Marko assured Speedweek that there are no concerns about the development trajectory of the engines: "We are on schedule with our engines for 2026, but of course, we don't know exactly what the competition is doing," says the austrian advisor.
"Besides the combustion engine, the battery also plays a crucial role. The energy input, namely the software, and the fuel are also important factors. With the battery, its weight and cooling are factors as well."
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Max Verstappen will drive with Red Bull Powertrains in 2026
Max Verstappen will drive with Red Bull Powertrains in 2026
Marko must have also heard that Mercedes might have an advantage over the rest of the field. On this, the Austrian said: "There's already talk about who has the lead in terms of engines, but that will only become clear when you hit the track."
This will take place in the first quarter of 2026, when the F1 cars built to the new technical regulations take part in their first test sessions, typically held in Barcelona.
This article was written in collaboration with Ludo Van Denderen
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