Overview
- Helmut Marko argues Red Bull’s edge in 2026 will come from a driver who can cleverly manage battery energy, a clear nod to Max Verstappen.
- Chief engineer Paul Monaghan says engines and large sections of the 2026 car are in manufacture, with reliable simulation running proving difficult before Barcelona testing on 26–30 January.
- The 2026 regulations raise electrical contribution to roughly 50%, add active aerodynamics, and introduce an on‑lap override energy burst, tightly linking energy use to aero trim.
- Ford confirms its role with Red Bull Powertrains has expanded beyond electrics to include the turbocharger and combustion-engine test rigs, alongside senior hires from Mercedes such as Ben Hodgkinson.
- Paddock chatter suggests Mercedes may be ahead, though Red Bull says competitor performance is unknown and maintains confidence in being competitive next year.