After the Formula 1 testing at the Sakhir circuit in Bahrain, Isack Hadjar spoke openly about the new Red Bull-Ford 2026 power unit, describing it as “beyond expectations.” The new engine, developed internally by Red Bull with Ford handling the electric components, has impressed many experts in the paddock and caught the attention of fans and analysts alike.
The words of the young talent from the Milton Keynes program did not go unnoticed. The work carried out behind the scenes by Red Bull Powertrains has already reached a remarkable level of maturity, especially considering that the Austrian team has built its first engine entirely independently, taking on industry giants like Mercedes and Ferrari.
Isack Hadjar on the Red Bull 2026 power unit
Isack Hadjar, who had the opportunity to test the potential of the new power unit firsthand, emphasized that the collaboration with Ford is already producing unexpectedly positive results. Speaking to the media and on GPblog, he explained: “It is well beyond my expectations. Towards the end of last year, the impressions were not very positive.”
The French driver went on to describe the evolution of the project: “Let’s say that even within the team, there were doubts and not everyone was fully satisfied. However, on the very first day in Barcelona, I completed 110 laps right away. I was positively surprised by how well it performed.”
Isack Hadjar also praised the work carried out by the Austrian team: “For a team that started the project only three years ago, it is truly impressive. In Barcelona, I had many doubts, but they disappeared very quickly. I still expect some minor issues during the season, which is normal.”
Optimism balanced with caution for Melbourne
Despite his optimism, the Paris-born driver remains grounded ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season debut for Red Bull. “No one will arrive in Australia 100% ready,” he explained. “If that happens, it would actually mean something is wrong. We are dealing with electronic calibrations. We need to test multiple scenarios to understand tire behavior and torque delivery. It just takes more practice, but everyone will be ready for Melbourne.”
Isack Hadjar’s honesty regarding the internal skepticism that plagued Red Bull at the end of last year makes the current success of the Red Bull-Ford power unit even more remarkable. The fact that a “startup” engine manufacturer can transition from negative internal rumors to completing 110 laps on day one of testing is a testament to the engineering might at Milton Keynes. While calibration issues are expected to persist until the first green light in Australia, the foundational strength of the unit suggests that Red Bull’s gamble on becoming a self-sufficient manufacturer is already paying off.
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