Max Verstappen has shared his first feedback on Red Bull’s new F1 engine, praising its reliability from the very start.
The Red Bull project for 2026 continues to take shape, with one of the most closely watched aspects being the new power unit developed in-house at Milton Keynes with support from Ford. After the initial shakedown in Barcelona and the Bahrain pre-season tests, the indications are positive, particularly regarding reliability. The Dutchman expressed satisfaction with the team’s work, highlighting that introducing an in-house engine is both a major challenge and a crucial step for the team’s future.
Verstappen and the Red Bull F1 engine: reliability and performance approved
The new Red Bull power unit attracted attention from rivals as early as the Barcelona shakedown, demonstrating strong performance without major issues. These impressions were confirmed during the Bahrain tests, where Max Verstappen participated in a very intensive programme.
The Dutch driver completed over 100 laps in a single day, while Isack Hadjar accumulated valuable mileage despite a hydraulic leak that cost him part of the morning session. The data collected provided the team with essential insights on engine management and its integration with the new car.
Verstappen on the new power unit
Speaking about the debut of the in-house developed power unit, Max Verstappen emphasized the importance of the project and the team’s work: “It’s incredible to see a new manufacturer come in and watch the new car and engine together, it’s like their little baby.”
The world champion added that the development journey is still long, but the direction is correct: “There’s still a lot to learn, but I think we’re heading in the right direction. Of course, there are still things we want to do better. I think we’ll never be completely satisfied, but at least we’re not having any failures.” – the Dutch driver pointed out.
Finally, Max Verstappen joked about the initial fears surrounding a completely new project: “I don’t think anyone really expected that from the very start we’d leave the garage without it exploding. So that’s been very positive.”
Max Verstappen’s humorous take on the Red Bull-Ford engine’s reliability masks what has been a remarkably smooth transition into the 2026 technical era. By matching the mileage of established manufacturers like Ferrari and Mercedes without a single “explosion,” Red Bull Ford Powertrains has already cleared its first major hurdle, silencing the doubters and positioning the RB22 as a potent contender for the upcoming season.
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