McLaren Surprised by Red Bull's PU Strength as Horner Shares Ricciardo Anecdote
McLaren's Zak Brown admits surprise at the competitive showing of Red Bull's new power unit in testing, while Christian Horner shares a funny story about forcing Daniel Ricciardo to sing at a Christmas party, blending insights on the technical battle with a personal look at driver relationships.
In a day of contrasting F1 stories, McLaren CEO Zak Brown expressed surprise at the apparent strength of Red Bull's new power unit following pre-season testing, while Christian Horner shared a humorous personal story about former driver Daniel Ricciardo's hidden singing talent. These moments highlight the sport's blend of intense technical competition and enduring personal relationships.
Why it matters:
Brown's assessment offers an early, candid glimpse into the perceived 2026 engine hierarchy, suggesting Red Bull Powertrains' project with Ford may be more competitive than many anticipated. Simultaneously, Horner's anecdote provides a rare, humanizing look at the bonds formed between team principals and drivers, reminding fans that F1's narrative is driven by both data and personality.
The Details:
- Red Bull's PU Impresses: Zak Brown, speaking after the Barcelona test, labeled the Red Bull Ford power unit as "very strong," admitting its performance had caught many in the paddock by surprise.
- Testing Endurance: The new Red Bull Powertrains unit completed a notable 622 laps over three days across the Red Bull and Racing Bulls cars, ranking as the third most active engine supplier during the test.
- Horner's Christmas Story: The former Red Bull team principal recounted a light-hearted moment where he convinced a reluctant Daniel Ricciardo to sing at a team Christmas party, a story Horner jokes Ricciardo "never forgave him for."
- Praise for Ricciardo: Horner used the interview to broadly praise the Australian's career, highlighting his natural speed, racecraft, and personal qualities, suggesting he had the attributes of a world champion in the right car.
- Early Pecking Order: While impressed by Red Bull, Brown still pointed to Mercedes as the current benchmark, maintaining that the 'big four' teams at the front remain unchanged for now.
What's Next:
The early praise for Red Bull's in-house power unit project adds a fascinating subplot to the 2026 season build-up, potentially signaling a shift in engine parity. For Ricciardo, now with Visa Cash App RB, such stories from his prime at Red Burnish his popular legacy as he aims to reclaim a top seat. Both narratives—one of technical ambition, the other of personal history—will continue to evolve as the new season approaches.