Red Bull's Hadjar says new in-house engine exceeds expectations, targets first win
Red Bull newcomer Isack Hadjar has delivered a strikingly optimistic review of the team's first in-house F1 engine, stating it performs 'way beyond' expectations and that he believes it can deliver his first race win. His candid praise, combined with positive early testing impressions, suggests Red Bull's risky powertrain project has hit the ground running.
Red Bull's new driver Isack Hadjar has declared the team's first in-house Formula 1 power unit is performing "way beyond" expectations, offering a surprisingly optimistic and candid assessment of the RB22's potential. His immediate gut feeling is that the package is capable of delivering his first grand prix victory in 2026.
The team has turned heads during pre-season testing in Bahrain, with rivals like Mercedes' Toto Wolff suggesting a significant straight-line speed advantage. Hadjar's enthusiastic comments, contrasting with the usual guarded driver talk at this stage, add substantial weight to the early impressions that Red Bull's new engine project is a serious contender from the outset.
Why it matters:
Red Bull's transition to building its own power units with Ford was a monumental and risky undertaking. For a driver to so openly praise its performance and reliability this early, especially after internal doubts last season, signals the project has overcome significant hurdles faster than many anticipated. This could disrupt the established competitive order if the initial promise translates into race pace.
The details:
- Hadjar stated the engine's performance has far exceeded his pre-testing expectations, which were tempered by negative rumors and internal dissatisfaction within the team towards the end of the 2025 season.
- He highlighted the shakedown in Barcelona, where he completed 107 laps on the first day alone, as the moment that quickly eradicated his "many, many doubts" about the project's readiness.
- Driver Confidence: When directly asked if his gut feeling told him he could win a race with the car, Hadjar replied with a simple and matter-of-fact "Yeah," explicitly putting a first victory "on the radar" for 2026.
- Specific Praise: Beyond raw power, Hadjar was emphatic about the driveability, particularly the smoothness of aggressive downshifts and the frequent use of first gear—an area where other teams are reportedly struggling.
- External Validation: His optimism is underscored by observations from rivals, with Williams driver Alex Albon also noting Red Bull's "strong" driveability and impressive energy deployment.
The big picture:
Starting a power unit project from scratch is a herculean task in F1, often taking years to reach competitiveness. Red Bull's apparent position of being "well-sorted" and reliable so early is a significant accomplishment. It places immediate pressure on established engine manufacturers and validates the team's long-term strategic gamble to control its own destiny.
What's next:
While testing optimism must always be tempered, the combination of on-track data, rival concern, and a driver's unabashed confidence sets a high bar for Red Bull's 2026 campaign. The true test comes at the season opener in Melbourne, where the pecking order will become clear. For now, Red Bull and Hadjar have successfully raised expectations that they can be immediate front-runners in the new regulatory era.