Tom Coronel believes that starting the 2026 F1 season behind on engine power could actually play to Max Verstappen’s strengths, arguing it might bring out his “kill factor”.
Red Bull entered a new era this year by becoming an engine constructor for the first time. Christian Horner launched Red Bull Powertrains after Honda initially pulled out of F1, and also secured a partnership with Ford.
The reliability of Red Bull’s debut F1 engine during pre-season testing surprised many in the paddock, including Mercedes driver George Russell. Russell commented that Red Bull have “clearly done a good job” with their first F1 engine, particularly noting the impressive energy management of the RBPT DM01.
Verstappen and Hadjar ready to make use of DM01
Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar will use the new Ford-powered RBPT DM01 this season. While it remains to be seen how much speed they’ll get from the unit, its reliability is already notable, as seen during pre-season testing at Bahrain International Circuit in February.
Straight line speed has never been an issue for Red Bull in recent years, but teams like Ferrari have taken noticeable steps forward in that area for 2025.
Red Bull’s engine shortfall could reveal Verstappen’s edge
But Tom Coronel predicts that Verstappen will find it hard to reach the podium at the 2026 season opener in Australia. He believes Red Bull’s new engine may start the year trailing behind what Mercedes and Ferrari have put together.
Despite that, Coronel isn’t writing off Verstappen’s chances over the long haul. Even if he starts with a fourth or fifth-place finish in Melbourne, Coronel thinks it could work in his favour. He sees an early struggle as something that could bring out Verstappen’s competitive edge.
Speaking to RacingNews365, Coronel said: “Perhaps it’s a good thing that the Red Bull engine isn’t quite as powerful. So, we’ll see Max around fourth or fifth place. Because when he’s hungry, and just misses out on winning, we see the real Max.
“Then we see that bite, the kill factor, that look in his eyes, that blood [and], the steam coming out everywhere. And only for one thing, the result. That’s great to watch.”
Max Verstappen’s 2025 Japanese Grand Prix pole shows Tom Coronel may be right
Max Verstappen’s performance at Suzuka in the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix was a clear highlight of the season, taking pole and the win despite the Red Bull RB21 not being the quickest car. He managed to hold off McLaren’s Lando Norris by just over a second.
Despite ongoing issues with the RB21’s balance through corners, Verstappen put together one of his finest laps to edge Norris by just 0.012s for pole. If Red Bull finds themselves behind again in 2026, Coronel’s prediction might prove accurate.
Verstappen came out of pre-season testing confident in Red Bull’s new car under the updated 2026 regulations. However, early impressions from Bahrain suggested that the RB22 might only be the fourth-best car on the grid, trailing behind Mercedes, McLaren and Ferrari.
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