Overview
- Ford’s Mark Rushbrook reports internal targets have been met and stresses the true assessment comes only once the unit runs in the car on track.
- Red Bull and Ford will get their first real-world read at a behind-closed-doors Barcelona test, which Rushbrook calls an important day and week.
- Focus has shifted from raw power and reliability to software, calibration and drivability work across labs, simulations and driver-in-the-loop sessions.
- Max Verstappen says the Red Bull–Ford power unit sounded “crisp” on the dyno, while rival manufacturers have publicly shared teaser audio that Red Bull has not released.
- With 2026 rules moving to roughly equal ICE–electric output and sustainable fuels, the FIA’s ADUO scheme offers limited ICE catch-up upgrades if needed, as Red Bull expects any combustion deficit to be slight.