Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner commented on the possibility of the team building better power units than Mercedes in the 2026 season. A large team is working on the R&D of building the said power units despite Horner feeling that the chances of that happening are slim.
The 2026 F1 season is going to be a massive challenge for most teams. New engine regulations, paired with massive changes in aerodynamics, will bring a major reshuffling to the grid. RBR, who had been the dominant force on the grid, will no longer be partnering with Honda for power units. The team can work on their engines with technical guidance from Ford.
Although this does sound good, it does not promise a strong or reliable power unit. It is a tricky component to work with posing major challenges that manufacturers can face. While RBR performs excellently on the track, they cannot be trusted with making a powerful engine, at least in the current circumstances.
Team principal Christian Horner focused on the same as he discussed the challenges ahead in 2026. Although he did claim that the team would be in a competitive position, Horner also mentioned that it would be “embarrassing” for Mercedes if they managed to build a more powerful engine than theirs.
“The challenge of that is enormous. But we’ve got a hugely capable group of people. We’ve invested significantly. We’ve got a great culture within the team. Who knows?” He said (via Autosport).
“To expect us to be ahead of Mercedes next year is… It would be embarrassing for Mercedes if we were, or for any manufacturer. But I think we’re going to be in a competitive position, potentially even to where we are today relative to our other PU manufacturers. There’s everything to play for.”
Red Bull Racing has already lost its hold at the top as McLaren began dominating the grid this season. This has pushed the team into deeper trouble.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen is rumored to leave the team in 2026
Max Verstappen is RBR’s golden ticket to success. The team got into a dominant shape with Verstappen, given that he clinched four consecutive titles between 2021 and 2024.
However, their current performance against the likes of McLaren and Mercedes has pushed him down in the standings.
Following the Austrian Grand Prix earlier this month, Sky Italia reported that Mercedes was in contact with Verstappen concerning a potential seat next year featuring some new regulations. Although nothing has been confirmed, this has shaken up the paddock quite a bit.
It is tough to say if Red Bull will have a strong car next year. Their ‘aero wizard,’ Adrian Newey, left the team earlier and is working with Aston Martin now. Moreover, their current PU supplier will also work for the Silverstone-based team next year. This could put RBR under quite some pressure.
Verstappen’s current contract with RBR extends throughout the 2028 F1 season. But there is a possibility that Verstappen included an exit clause that he can activate
The team would need to bounce back and begin competing at the front if they want the Dutchman to keep driving for them. At the same time, however, it seems highly unlikely that Mercedes would want to shake up their current driver lineup.
