Overview
- Red Bull will race a self-built 2026 power unit with Ford providing technical support as Honda moves to supply Aston Martin.
- Ford performance chief Mark Rushbrook reports internal goals have been achieved but acknowledges nerves until the package runs on track.
- Any disadvantage on the internal combustion element is expected to be slight, with scope to compensate through other areas under the new rules.
- The first meaningful assessment arrives at Barcelona testing on January 26–30, where Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar will give initial feedback behind closed doors.
- True standing versus established manufacturers such as Mercedes, Ferrari and Honda remains uncertain until test data and integration results are seen.