Red Bull have faced significantly greater competition from their Formula 1 rivals this year. But still they continue to set the benchmark.
On the back of the most dominant campaign in F1 history in 2023, Red Bull started the year in form that would have concerned neutral viewers. Max Verstappen took dominant victories in each of the first four races he finished.
But McLaren and Ferrari have since introduced major upgrade packages that have virtually wiped out the Bulls’ advantage. Lando Norris won in Miami and took pole in Spain, while Ferrari beat the world champions on pure pace in Monaco (having profited from Verstappen’s retirement in Australia).
Mercedes have also joined the fight in recent races. George Russell beat Verstappen to pole in Canada, and then the Silver Arrows scored just two points fewer than Red Bull in Barcelona (29 vs 27).
But for all the talk about the progress made by the chasing pack, Red Bull retain dominant margins in both championships. They’re 60 points clear of Ferrari in the constructors’, while Norris is 69 behind Verstappen in the drivers’.
The likelihood is that the Dutchman will be a five-time champion by the time the regulations change in 2026. But that transition could present an opportunity for their competitors.
Peter Windsor warns Red Bull will have strong 2026 engine
2026 marks one of the most significant overhauls in F1’s recent history. On the aerodynamic side, the cars will have moveable rear wings to reduce drag, as well as becoming lighter and smaller.
There will also be fundamental changes to the engines, which will run on sustainable fuels and produce a significantly increased electrical output. The aim is to triple the current figure of 120kw.
After winning titles with Renault and Honda, Red Bull will now build their own powertrains. They may run with Ford badges, but it’s still new territory for the Milton Keynes outfit.
Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft has previously relayed ‘worrying’ rumours that they’re lagging behind their rivals. But speaking on the Cameron F1 YouTube channel after conversations with staff, journalist Peter Windsor dismissed any such concerns.
He said: “I can tell you this – I was talking to the Red Bull Powertrain guys in Barcelona. They aren’t going away, and they aren’t going to have a slow engine in ‘26, I can tell you that right now.”
Mercedes may have early edge in 2026 power unit battle
As it stands, there will be six different engine manufacturers in F1 come 2026 – RBPT, Ferrari, Mercedes, Honda, Renault and new entrants Audi. That list could shrink to five if Alpine boss Luca de Meo turns them into a customer team.
Within that group, it’s apparently Mercedes who have an early advantage. This could be a big reason why Carlos Sainz is inclined to join their partners Williams.
It was the Silver Arrows who stole a march on the field the last time there were significant changes to F1’s engines. Their V6 power unit was the best in class, and it allowed them to establish an era of dominance from 2014 to 2020.
The 2026 landscape could be particularly significant in determining the future of Verstappen. The 26-year-old’s contract apparently features an exit clause that kicks in ahead of the rules reset, and he’ll want to be in the best possible position to sustain his success.
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