Uncertainties Mount in Las Vegas, Red Bull Confirms Major Milestone

The Las Vegas Grand Prix's initial practice sessions were marked by unexpected disruptions, including a mysterious red flag, leaving teams with more questions than answers. Amidst this chaos, Lando Norris topped FP2, while Red Bull Racing confirmed a significant milestone: their in-house 2026 power unit is already in production, alongside large sections of next year's car.

Why it matters:

The chaotic start to the Las Vegas GP, highlighted by track uncertainties and a red flag for a loose manhole cover, underscores the unique challenges of street circuits and the need for rigorous pre-race checks. For Red Bull, reaching the production phase for their 2026 power unit so early signals their aggressive development timeline and commitment to independent engine manufacturing, potentially solidifying their long-term competitive advantage in Formula 1.

The details:

• Practice Session Overview: Charles Leclerc initially led FP1 with a 1:34.8. Lando Norris then took the lead in FP2 with a 1:33.6, followed by Kimi Antonelli and Leclerc, whose session ended prematurely due to a gearbox failure. Max Verstappen finished FP2 in ninth.
• Red Flag Incident: FP2 was halted by a red flag after a marshal reported a loose manhole cover on the track, leading to an interruption and further track time loss.
• Driver Reactions: Max Verstappen expressed concern over the interruptions and the need to find more grip. Lando Norris, however, was optimistic, stating McLaren felt better than last year. Lewis Hamilton also shared an optimistic outlook for Mercedes.
• Red Bull's 2026 Power Unit: Paul Monaghan, Red Bull's Chief Engineer, confirmed that their in-house power unit for the 2026 season is already in manufacture. This significant development indicates Red Bull's advanced progress in preparing for the new engine regulations.
  • Monaghan added that "large chunks of the car" are also in production, suggesting a comprehensive and early start to their 2026 challenger's development.

The big picture:

The inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix last year faced similar challenges with track surface issues, highlighting the complexities of racing on temporary street circuits. This year's early disruptions suggest that some of these operational challenges persist. Meanwhile, Red Bull's rapid development of their 2026 power unit positions them as a formidable force for the upcoming regulatory changes, potentially allowing them to gain a crucial head start over rivals who are still finalizing their engine plans. This early progress could be a game-changer in the next era of F1.

What's next:

Teams will be focused on maximizing their limited track time to understand the evolving conditions of the Las Vegas street circuit ahead of qualifying. Resolving track safety concerns will be paramount to ensure a smooth race weekend. For Red Bull, the continued development and eventual testing of their 2026 power unit will be closely watched by the entire paddock as they aim to maintain their dominance through the next regulatory cycle.