Mekies pinpoints the manufacturer 'we expect' to be the favorite in 2026

11:09, 08 Aug

byEstéban den Toom

Which constructor will be the fastest in 2026 when the new regulations come into play? Laurent Mekies, Red Bull Racing’s team principal for several weeks now, peers into the future and discusses the fresh challenges facing Max Verstappen’s team.

Mekies spoke about the 2026 season on The Inside Track podcast. With the second half of 2025 underway, the new season is already looming — and it’s a significant one, as the new technical regulations take effect.

Engine development for next year is already in full swing, and speculation is rife about which constructor will come out on top. Mercedes is frequently cited as the frontrunner for the best power unit.

Laurent Mekies

Mekies on Mercedes and Red Bull challenge

''I don't think any of these PU manufactures are actually exchanging power facture. So it's a lot of crystal ball work,'' Mekies said.

However, he does understand where these speculations come from: ''In fairness we understand where the feeling comes from. Mercedes have dominated the previous change of PU regulations.''

''So its normal that globally we expect, or that the audience expects them to be able to do that again. That's probably where the feeling comes from.''

''It is equally true that the challenge of doing a new power unit from scratch, from what was a field a couple of years ago, is unthinkable but that is the Red Bull way. That is what Red Bull is embarked in to do. therefore its really much a crazy type Red Bull challenge.''

Finally, the Frenchman concluded: ''We feel right about it. We feel that it's a crazy one to take but we know our people are good at that.''