Verstappen's Manager Cautiously Optimistic About Red Bull's 2026 Engine
Raymond Vermeulen, manager for Max Verstappen, says he's heard positive reports about Red Bull's new 2026 power unit but cautions that its true performance is an unknown until the season begins. The engine's competitiveness is crucial for Red Bull's factory future with Ford and Verstappen's title ambitions.
Max Verstappen's manager, Raymond Vermeulen, has acknowledged hearing "good things" about Red Bull's in-house power unit for the 2026 season but emphasizes that its true competitiveness remains a complete unknown until the new regulations take effect. With Red Bull set to become a full factory team in partnership with Ford, the performance of its new Powertrains division will be critical to reclaiming the championship after losing both titles in 2025.
Why it matters:
The 2026 season represents a major reset for the entire grid, but the pressure is uniquely high on Red Bull. After dominating for years with Honda power, the team is now betting its future on its own engine project. Success would solidify its status as a true powerhouse, while failure could see it fall behind rivals like Mercedes and Ferrari, who have decades of factory experience. For Verstappen, the engine's performance will be a key factor in his long-term career decisions.
The details:
- Vermeulen's comments highlight the inherent uncertainty of a new regulatory era, stating there is no clear "reference" to judge the engine's development progress against competitors.
- He identifies the first few races of 2026 as the true litmus test, where the competitive order will become clear.
- A critical factor for success, according to Vermeulen, will be a team's ability to react and develop quickly if they start the season on the back foot, emphasizing in-season development speed.
- The 2026 power units will feature a major shift, with a mandated 50/50 split between internal combustion and electrical energy, a change that could reshape the technical hierarchy.
What's next:
The 2026 season is a high-stakes gamble for Red Bull. While internal reports may be positive, the track will deliver the final verdict. All eyes will be on pre-season testing and the opening rounds to see if Red Bull Powertrains can immediately deliver a competitive and reliable engine. If it can, Red Bull and Verstappen will be instant title favorites. If not, the team faces a potentially lengthy and expensive catch-up operation against established manufacturers.