Red Bull’s 2026 power unit has started the new Formula 1 season better than many expected, with reliability and performance both standing out early on.
Questions were raised heading into the year, as Red Bull were entering their first season supplying engines under their own name. It’s a big step in their evolution as a team and meant more internal changes than most rivals faced over the winter break.
The development work was done alongside Ford and was also a first for Laurent Mekies, who stepped into his new role at the start of last season. The early signs have been encouraging, with many around the paddock surprised by how strong Red Bull have looked in testing.
Zak Brown also highlighted Red Bull’s consistency throughout testing, noting how few issues they faced compared to other teams still working through teething problems.
While some teams may not be pushing their reliability as hard just yet, Red Bull appear to be prioritising pure speed ahead of Melbourne this weekend. Bernie Collins backed that decision before the race at Albert Park.
Bernie Collins impressed by Red Bull’s early engine form
Both Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar clocked significant laps during testing, and it looked like Red Bull might be more competitive in 2026 than many had expected.
Collins shared her reaction to the engine’s performance while speaking in the Melbourne paddock, as mentioned on Sky Sports’ podcast, Ted’s Podbook.
“There was a lot of concern about this new power unit from Red Bull, and I think that concern was shared throughout many people.
“And from Max’s position and every driver’s position, the team’s is always selling the dream of how good the power unit will be, how good the car will be, they’re generally talking it up a little bit.
“So, now that he’s got that car to Bahrain, the power unit being strong is a massive bonus. It’s way stronger than I had expected for sure, and Max has got to feel pretty confident.
“If there are any problems with the chassis, they can sort those out. But getting the engine right? That was always going to be tough – and they’ve done it.”
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