Verstappen Gives First Review of Red Bull's 2026 Engine: 'It Sounded Crisp'

Max Verstappen has provided a rare, early insight into Red Bull's secretive 2026 power unit, not with data, but with a simple sound check. The four-time world champion, after hearing the Ford-backed engine on a dyno, offered his succinct verdict: "it sounded crisp." This early acoustic review comes as F1 teams gear up for a radical new set of regulations, with engine noise unexpectedly becoming a focal point for fans and teams alike.

Why it matters:

Red Bull's move to build its own engine is a massive, high-stakes endeavor. Any detail, however small, is significant. Verstappen's comment, while subjective, is the first public "review" from the team's star driver, offering a tiny glimpse into the progress of their ambitious Ford-backed project. It also underscores the intense anticipation and scrutiny surrounding the 2026 regulations, where even the sound of an engine can become a major talking point.

The details:

• The Verdict: Speaking on the Talking Bull podcast, Verstappen said, "I mean, it sounded good. Of course, you hear it on a dyno, but it sounded crisp. I'm not sure they actually developed on the noise, but it made a good noise."
• 2026 Context: The upcoming regulations feature a 50/50 split between internal combustion and electric power, a radical reset that has all manufacturers starting from a clean slate.
• The Competition: The focus on sound has become a trend, with Mercedes and Aston Martin (via Honda) already releasing social media clips of their new power units.
• The Project: This engine is being developed in-house by Red Bull Powertrains in partnership with Ford, marking a major strategic shift for the team as it aims to end its reliance on external suppliers.

What's next:

While a "crisp" sound is a positive early sign, it's no guarantee of race-winning performance. The true test for Red Bull Powertrains will be in achieving the necessary reliability, power output, and efficiency. This sound bite is merely the first chapter in a long story; the definitive verdict on their ambitious project will only be delivered when the cars hit the track for pre-season testing in 2026.