Johnny Herbert fuels new speculation about F1 Power Units for 2026, focusing on Red Bull, Ford, and Verstappen’s possible move to Aston Martin. The new era of technical regulations will shake up the grid. As happened in 2014, the engine will once again be a key factor in performance. According to some, it could mark the beginning of a new era of dominance.
The lights haven’t even gone out in Australia, and thoughts are already on the next season. After all, the upcoming championship is generally considered a “transition” year, the last iteration of a generation of cars on their way out. The best of the cars born in 2022 will battle for nine months before saying goodbye to ground effect and welcoming, among other things, a return to flat floors.
But a crucial point in future regulations is the engine. The internal combustion component will generate less power, while the electric component will see a significant increase. Additionally, the PUs will run on 100% sustainable fuel. Energy distribution becomes more complex, and at least in the early years, some teams are likely to get the concept much better (or much worse) than others.
Concerns in Milton Keynes: Is the Ford partnership failing to deliver?
While Mercedes, Ferrari, and Honda receive praise at different times for their Power Unit development, the situation in Milton Keynes appears less promising. In an interview with CasinoApps.com, Johnny Herbert describes a scenario far more complicated than initially expected. Given past rumors, this could have a decisive impact on Max Verstappen.
“It will all be about the package. Max knows how things work inside Red Bull. But now something is changing because Red Bull’s relationship with Honda, which was very positive, has ended. From 2026, the situation with Ford will be different. It’s said that things have been more difficult than expected and not as positive.”
“The decision [for Verstappen] becomes much easier when you know the Power Unit is not performing as expected and that the Power Unit he won so much with will be at Aston Martin alongside Adrian Newey. Max will want to put himself in the best position to have a chance to win.”
Max Verstappen a “complicated” case: Gunther Steiner advises Red Bull
Speaking to CNN, Gunther Steiner also highlighted Max Verstappen’s strong personality: “I’d say that last year, when he started not winning, he reacted quite aggressively. Then, at some point, I think he realized, ‘I have to be smart and bring home as many points as possible, even if I don’t win a race.’ So we’ll have to see which Max we get in the future.”
“But for sure, if he doesn’t have a good car to win, he will be very difficult to manage because he will loudly express his dissatisfaction. And an unhappy Max is not a pleasant Max, as we all know. But he is a great driver, probably the best at the moment. And he will certainly push to win races and fight for the championship again, but it won’t be easy.”
The four-time world champion already seemed irritated about the new RB21 during pre-season testing in Bahrain. Meanwhile, in Silverstone, Lawrence Stroll is starting to put together the first key pieces of a dream puzzle. A few days ago, it was Adrian Newey; in the summer, Enrico Cardile will arrive. The stage is almost set for Verstappen.
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