Overview
- Helmut Marko says a driver who can “drive fast and think” will be a key edge under the new energy‑management demands, implicitly pointing to Max Verstappen.
- Chief engineer Paul Monaghan says engines and major car components are already in manufacture, though achieving reliable simulation mileage remains difficult.
- Red Bull targets the closed Barcelona pre‑season test on 26–30 January 2026 to gauge readiness after acknowledging the integration challenge.
- Ford’s role with Red Bull Powertrains has expanded beyond electrical systems to include the turbocharger and combustion testing rigs, according to Ford’s motorsport chief.
- The 2026 rules require roughly 50% electrical power, add active aerodynamics and a manual override energy boost, and have prompted paddock chatter that Mercedes may be further along.