One of the big talking points ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 regulation changes is how Red Bull Powertrains will cope with the loss of Honda’s support and Martin Brundle has shared what he’s seen at their facility.
At the moment, Red Bull Powertrains work alongside Honda after their withdrawal as Red Bull’s main power unit partner in 2021.
But in 2026, as well as new regulations to cope with, Honda will become Aston Martin’s power unit supplier, despite their previous poor relationship with star driver Fernando Alonso.
Speaking on Sky Sports F1 (4/5 8:36pm), Martin Brundle admitted that the power unit situation could play a key role in Max Verstappen’s future.
After losing Adrian Newey, uncertainty over the speed and reliability of the engine could see the Dutchman consider his options.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Red Bull Racing from engine to Ford links
Martin Brundle shares what he’s seen at the Red Bull Powertrains facility
Christian Horner has had a turbulent start to the 2024 F1 season, to say the least.
However, as well as losing the sport’s most successful designer, he’s also the founder and CEO of Red Bull Powertrains.
When Honda announced that they would be leaving the sport at the end of 2021, Red Bull had a decision to make.
Instead of looking elsewhere for a new engine, they decided to take the process in-house with the support of Honda who still assemble the power units.
Red Bull Powertrains will work alongside Ford in 2026 and Brundle has shared more details about what he’s seen at the facility.
Max Verstappen’s future is still a big talking point with Mercedes desperate to sign him.
They’ve got one of the strongest power units in the sport, albeit they have other issues to deal with right now.
If they can solve those problems and Verstappen senses that Red Bull Powertrains aren’t going to be up to scratch after Honda’s withdrawal, then that might force his hand if he wants to continue winning world championships.
Red Bull Powertrains could play key role in Max Verstappen’s future
Speaking about what could impact Verstappen’s future, Brundle said: “I think it might be the power unit that bothers Max [Verstappen] in terms of the unknown.
“But again, I’ve been around the Red Bull Powertrains, my goodness, what an impressive set-up that is.
“So, I think it’s going to be quite interesting, if there are cards to be played, in terms of exiting anywhere, how quickly have they got to be played? And do you want to play them indeed?”
There are rumours swirling in the paddock that Red Bull Powertrains with some people saying they’re behind schedule and others saying they’re on track, so Brundle’s assessment will be music to Verstappen’s ears.
All 10 Formula 1 teams face plenty of uncertainties heading into the next era of the sport.
The grid could look very different to how it does now, but reliability at the beginning of a new set of regulations is vital as it can help you pick up positions even if you don’t have the fastest car.
If Red Bull Powertrains alongside Ford can get up to speed quickly, then Verstappen will fancy his chances of winning another world championship with the team.
The post ‘My goodness’: Martin Brundle shares what he’s seen at Red Bull Powertrains ahead of Honda withdrawal in 2026 appeared first on F1 Oversteer.