The 2026 Formula 1 season could potentially shake up the grid and change the pecking order in the sport.
The biggest regulation changes in years will be introduced although there are already some concerns about the upcoming rule changes.
Speaking on the F1 Nation Podcast, journalist and technical expert Albert Fabrega has been talking about one of the most fascinating aspects of that season.
Red Bull Racing have dominated this era of the sport, with Max Verstappen winning races at ease.
He’s stood on the top step of the podium at 21 of the last 23 Grand Prix and since the last Chinese Grand Prix five years ago, has won exactly half of all F1 events in that period.
However, one of the key reasons Red Bull have been so successful is their partnership with Honda.
The Japanese engine provider have played their part in the last few seasons but they won’t be around for much longer.
Fabrega has now shared what’s being said in the paddock about Red Bull Powertrains and their debut in the sport.
They’ve got an awful lot to live up to and Christian Horner is already leading the project behind the scenes.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about the 2026 Formula 1 regulation changes
Formula 1 paddock intrigued by Red Bull Powertrains introduction
Honda won’t be working with Red Bull from 2026 onwards as they are switching allegiances.
They’ll become Aston Martin’s engine supplier which may be one of the reasons why Fernando Alonso decided to sign a contract extension.
If they can replicate their success with the British team that they’ve enjoyed over the past few years then Alonso might finally end his wait for his 33 F1 win.
Instead, Red Bull Powertrains will enter the paddock for the first time and that’s going to be a fascinating side plot to the new ruleset.
Red Bull are used to running at the front of the grid and Adrian Newey is likely to already be working on the next iteration of their car to prepare for it.
However, whether the team are on track to deliver a title-winning power unit is another matter entirely…
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Red Bull Racing from engine to Ford links
Red Bull face uncertainly in 2026 after years of dominance
Asked if he thinks Red Bull Powertrains will get the job done in 2026, Albert Fabrega said: “You know what, I have heard, and I’m always asking everyone and I don’t know who’s telling the truth or not, or maybe they are telling the truth but the information is not correct.
“But I’ve heard both things, I’ve heard people saying they are behind targets, and I’ve heard people saying to me I know really well what they’re doing there and they’re on target.
“And I heard the same thing on the other brands, so I don’t know, there’s still a lot of time, there’s still one year and a half until we see these engines running on a car.
“If you are behind the targets you have to run more than the others and they are limited by the budget for the regulations, so it’s more difficult than other times when you have as much money as you can spend.”
Will the new power unit affect Max Verstappen’s Red Bull future?
READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth and girlfriend to height
The paddock will quickly discover in 2026 whether Red Bull Powertrains are going to extend their dominance over the rest of the grid or hinder them.
While Sergio Perez’s future isn’t decided for 2025 yet, Max Verstappen should be driving for the team for years to come.
However, an indication that things aren’t going well behind the scenes would be if Verstappen decides to cut his time with the team short.
Toto Wolff hasn’t hidden the fact that he would love Max Verstappen to join Mercedes.
Their power units are a better-known quantity and the team’s struggles aren’t associated with the engine as customer team McLaren are proving.
The Dutchman’s decision over his future might be the best indicator Formula 1 has when it comes to deciding whether the project is going to be a success or not.
The post ‘I’ve heard’: F1 journalist shares what the paddock is saying about Red Bull Powertrains ahead of 2026 debut appeared first on F1 Oversteer.
