Red Bull Powertrains Chief Predicts Tighter Engine Field, Bigger Aero Risks in 2026
Red Bull's Ben Hodgkinson believes the ICE will drive power unit performance in 2026, but warns that aerodynamics may pose a bigger risk to competitive differentiation than the new engines.
Red Bull Powertrains director Ben Hodgkinson suggests that while the internal combustion engine will be the primary differentiator within the new 2026 power units, the overall competitive order may hinge on aerodynamics. He expects a tighter field among engine manufacturers compared to 2014, noting the new regulations are an evolution rather than a revolution.
Why it matters:
The 2026 regulations introduce a massive shift with active aero and increased electric power. If engines are closer in performance, the teams' ability to master the new aerodynamic rules will likely decide championships, shifting pressure from the powertrain division to the chassis and aero departments.
The details:
- ICE vs. ERS: Hodgkinson predicts ERS will be nearly 99% efficient across the grid, meaning the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) will be where power unit gains are found.
- Fuel Factor: Collaboration with fuel partners like ExxonMobil is critical to extracting maximum performance from the new sustainable fuels.
- No 2014 Repeat: Unlike 2014, Hodgkinson believes the 2026 engines are fundamentally similar to current V6s. The removal of the MGU-H and limits on compression ratios make the tech more accessible.
- Aero Risk: Hodgkinson identifies aerodynamics as the "bigger risk" for performance gaps, as the entire car concept is being reset, not just the engine.
Looking ahead:
As teams finalize their 2026 concepts, the convergence expected by the FIA suggests the grid could be closer than anticipated. For Red Bull, the challenge is twofold: matching established giants on the ICE while their chassis team nails the new aero rules to maintain their competitive edge.