Mekies Banks on Verstappen’s ‘Triple Advantage’ as Red Bull Enters 2026 With Ford‑Partnered Power Unit

Overview

• Red Bull will debut its first in‑house Formula 1 power unit in 2026 in collaboration with Ford, building on the Red Bull Powertrains program launched in 2021.
• Team boss Laurent Mekies cautions the step will involve time, pain and struggle despite confidence in personnel, partners and facilities.
• Mekies says Max Verstappen is embedded in the project rather than judging from the outside and is taking the risk alongside the team.
• He describes a “triple advantage” from Verstappen that includes commitment, exceptional in‑car processing and feedback, and a unique ability to push development.
• Reporting indicates performance clauses remain in Verstappen’s contract that could enable an early exit, and Mekies adds that 2026 rules elevate driver influence through active aerodynamics and battery energy management.