Ford Exec: Upcoming Test is 'Important Week' for Red Bull's 2026 Engine
After three years of development, the new Red Bull-Ford 2026 power unit faces its first on-track test in Barcelona, a critical moment for the ambitious project that will reveal if their simulations translate to real-world performance.
Ford's Mark Rushbrook has highlighted the upcoming private test in Barcelona as an "important week" for the new Red Bull-Ford power unit. After three years of development and simulation, the project will finally hit the track, providing the first real-world indication of whether their ambitious 2026 engine can challenge for championships. The test marks a pivotal moment for Red Bull as it builds its own power units for the first time in its history.
Why it matters:
This is Red Bull's biggest gamble in years, moving away from a championship-winning Honda partnership to producing its own engines in-house. A failure to deliver a competitive and reliable power unit could put Max Verstappen, the team's star driver, in an uncompetitive car and jeopardize their era of dominance. For Ford, it's a high-stakes return to F1 as a power unit supplier, with their brand reputation on the line against established giants like Mercedes and Ferrari.
The details:
- The Moment of Truth: Rushbrook emphasized that while simulations and lab work are positive, "you haven’t seen it all until it really comes together on the track." He acknowledged the natural nervousness that comes with any new engine's first run.
- Performance Goals Met: Ford's director confirmed that the project has met its initial power and performance targets set at the beginning of the program.
- Focus on Drivability: The current focus has shifted from raw power to "drivability and calibration." This is crucial for managing the massive electrical power delivery of the 2026 regulations and making the car predictable for drivers.
- A Level Playing Field: Rushbrook believes all manufacturers are converging on a similar theoretical maximum output due to the shared laws of physics within the regulations. The ultimate differentiator will be "how efficiently you get there."
What's next:
The private test in Barcelona next month will be the first opportunity to gather real-world data on the power unit's performance, reliability, and drivability. This initial run will not determine the 2026 champion but will provide a crucial benchmark against the work of rivals. The results will shape the development direction for Red Bull Powertrains over the next year as they prepare for their debut as a full-fledged engine manufacturer.