22 January 2026Racingnews365AnalysisRace report
Verstappen says new 2026 F1 power‑unit rules aren’t a shock
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen says the 2026 50/50 hybrid power‑unit regulations aren’t unexpected, citing a year‑long prep across the grid. He highlighted Red Bull’s new Ford‑backed engine programme and the team’s readiness for the change.
Max Verstappen downplayed the impact of Formula 1’s upcoming 2026 power‑unit overhaul, saying the shift to a 50 % electric‑plus‑50 % internal‑combustion layout isn’t a surprise because teams have had ample time to adapt.
Why it matters:
- The hybrid split is the biggest push toward full electrification, changing car design and race strategy.
- Red Bull’s move to build its own power unit, backed by Ford, could reshape the engine supplier hierarchy.
The details:
- From 2026 the unit will be 50 % turbo‑charged V6 and 50 % electric, with strict fuel‑flow and durability caps.
- Red Bull stopped 2025 development early to focus on 2026, saying the team is “prepared” and welcomes the change.
- Williams and Ferrari have frozen major upgrades to devote resources to the new spec.
What's next:
- 2026 cars debut next season, giving teams a year to test components in the final 2025 races.
- If Red Bull’s Ford‑backed engine is fast and reliable, it could upset the current Mercedes‑Ferrari‑Honda order.
- Red Bull will also supply a customer engine to Racing Bulls, using the Ford‑backed unit to gather extra data before the 2026 launch.