Verstappen Highlights Progress Needed on Red Bull F1 Engine Development

Max Verstappen has emphasized the need for further development on the Red Bull Ford Powertrain following the recent Formula 1 shakedown in Barcelona. The five-day private test allowed all eleven teams to prepare for the major regulation changes in the upcoming season.

Red Bull and the New Powertrain

Red Bull, supported by Ford, is making its debut as a power unit supplier this season, marking a significant milestone after 21 years in F1. Despite having world champion Verstappen on their team, they do not enter 2026 as the favorites.

During the shakedown, Verstappen faced challenges, having limited track time due to team strategies and weather conditions. His teammate, Isack Hadjar, utilized the Monday running time, while Verstappen only got his first full session on Tuesday. Mixed conditions further curtailed his opportunities, leading to a crash by Hadjar, which set back the team’s overall progress.

Barcelona Test Insights

On the final day of testing, Verstappen managed to complete 118 laps. He acknowledged that while some strides had been made, the team still has significant work ahead. “We’ve hit the ground running quite well with those things,” said Verstappen. “There’s still quite a bit of work to do, but that’s normal.”

Mercedes Performance

In contrast, Mercedes appears to be strong following the test. With the highest number of laps completed, the team showcased its prowess with Andrea Kimi Antonelli conducting a full race simulation. Mercedes is considered the frontrunner for the constructors’ title, building on its historical dominance.

George Russell, a key driver for Mercedes, expressed optimism about the team’s performance. He noted that they faced no significant issues during the test, reflecting a positive turnaround after losing their title reign in 2022. “We had lots of mileage on the car, which was the main focus of the test,” Russell stated.

Looking Ahead

• The test was primarily focused on mileage rather than speed.
• Russell acknowledged competitive performances from other teams but believes it’s too early to assess the season’s potential.
• The upcoming 24-race season will provide further clarity on the teams’ capabilities.

As the new season approaches, the performance of Red Bull’s Ford Powertrain and Mercedes’ continued dominance will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike, making for an exciting year in Formula 1.