Red Bull has built a reputation in F1 as a team that never backs down from a challenge. From upsetting the giants in 2010 to dominating again through the Max Verstappen era, they have always found a way to stay at the front. Now, as they enter the 2026 season, they are stepping into something completely different. For the first time in history, they will not use an engine supplied by another manufacturer, taking on the bold task of running a power unit built in-house.
This journey brings excitement, opinions, and plenty of doubt from the outside world, but within the walls of Milton Keynes, a growing belief is emerging that Red Bull could shock F1 once again.
Red Bull’s Big Step Into a New Identity
For almost two decades, the team relied on external manufacturers to power their cars as Renault played a role in their first championship streak. Honda became the partner that powered them into the Verstappen era. Still, the Japanese manufacturer’s original decision to leave F1 after 2021 forced Red Bull to learn to do it themselves.
Becoming an engine manufacturer is not as simple as it may seem, as it requires years of preparation and a substantial investment in personnel, facilities, and research. Reports indicate that more than 400 to 600 staff members are now working specifically in the new engine division on the Milton Keynes campus.
Their engine and chassis departments sit side by side, allowing for immediate communication, swift decisions, and seamless integration. Mercedes builds its engines in Brixworth and its chassis in Brackley. Still, Red Bull wants none of that, as distance slows things down.
Ford’s entry as a partner adds another twist. While their focus originally was the electric side of the power unit, the American giant is now fully assisting with turbo and combustion development as well. It is a deeper collaboration than many expected, and Ford themselves is starting to show confidence publicly.
“We are to plan, so where we need to be, but it all comes together when it’s actually in the car and on track,” said Ford Performance director Mark Rushbrook. “Because yes, existing engine manufacturers have all those years of experience. But it’s still a bit different again with these rules for 2026. And we’ve got a lot of experienced people that came in from other programs to find it together.”
2026 Gives Red Bull a Real Shot
The 2026 power unit regulations are unlike anything F1 has ever seen, as the MGU-H has been completely removed and a 50–50 split between electric and internal combustion power has been introduced. Sustainable fuel becomes mandatory, and the rulebook is being rewritten, and that is exactly why Red Bull believes it can win.
The teams that used to dominate engine development under the old rules no longer have a massive head start, as everybody is adapting to something new. Red Bull even has a controversial technical idea involving thermal expansion to increase the compression ratio, which was actually conceived by someone previously employed by Mercedes. If it works, it could be a difference-maker.
Recruitment has been aggressive, as many staff were hired from Mercedes HPP and other manufacturers. Red Bull chose people who have worked intensively on engine programs at the top level, rather than relying on talent from junior or unrelated motorsport categories.
However, they are being realistic and do not claim to build the best engine from day one. What they want is something strong enough to let their aerodynamic strengths take over. Team principal Laurent Mekies described the project as “crazy” and something that fits perfectly with Red Bull’s spirit.
Reports suggest that Verstappen and his circle are quietly optimistic, as designer Pierre Wache has also called the engine “very, very promising”.
The real test comes only when the car finally hits the track. Until then, Red Bull and Ford continue building and preparing for what could be a milestone year.
