Verstappen praises Red Bull's 2026 engine progress despite rules criticism

Max Verstappen has delivered a scathing assessment of the 2026 Formula 1 technical regulations but singled out Red Bull's new in-house power unit as a significant bright spot, expressing pride in his team's development work. The reigning world champion acknowledged the team is currently the third-fastest on the grid but believes incremental improvements could elevate their competitive position in the coming races.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's mixed review highlights the complex reality for top teams adapting to a new era. His public criticism of the rules adds weight to ongoing driver concerns about the 2026 cars' drivability, while his praise for Red Bull Powertrains validates the team's massive investment and technical gamble. Successfully developing a competitive engine from scratch is crucial for Red Bull's long-term independence and ability to challenge established manufacturers like Mercedes and Ferrari.

The details:

• A Divided Verstappen: The Dutch driver was explicit about his dissatisfaction, stating, "I'm very negative about the rules, but I do feel really proud of the team and the engine side as well." He wishes he "enjoyed it a bit more driving-wise," directly linking his criticism to the on-track experience.
• Engine Praise: Verstappen described the new Red Bull Ford power unit as "not too bad" and a key reason for their current performance level. He estimated the team's pace deficit is split "half-half" between the chassis and the engine, a ratio he finds encouraging and not "shocking" for a first-year project.
• Current Grid Standing: When asked to rank the team, Verstappen placed Red Bull as the clear third-best constructor behind Mercedes and Ferrari, consistent with their testing form. He noted the car is in a "P3-P4" position as a team.
• Context of Achievement: He framed the engine team's work as "an incredible job," emphasizing that fighting McLaren—which uses a customer Mercedes engine—with a brand-new power unit is a notable accomplishment.

What's next:

Verstappen's focus is on steady, short-term gains to close the gap to the front. He expressed hope that "within a few races we can take a little step forward." The driver believes that even a small improvement could change the competitive outlook, making the world "look a bit better" in terms of their fight at the front. The team's development trajectory in the early part of the season will be critical to proving the long-term potential of their combined chassis and power unit package.