F1: Max Verstappen Attacks 2026 Formula 1 Engine Rules, Predicts a Massive 'Development War'
Max Verstappen, Red Bull's star driver, has voiced concern over the 2026 Formula 1 engine rules. According to these new regulations, combustion and electric sources must provide power in a ratio of 50/50.
By Divyam Dubey
Max Verstappen, Red Bull's star driver, has voiced concern over the 2026 Formula 1 engine restrictions. These new regulations require a 50/50 split between combustion and electric power. However, the Austrian company has serious worries about such demands. They say things like having to have "colossal" battery capacity and high-tech cooling systems are overkill due to the regulations. Verstappen is concerned that the rules place too much focus on engine performance, which would inevitably separate the field and ultimately harm racing. Last year, officials approved new rules for engines to go into effect in 2026. As of now, the MGU-K generates 120kW of electricity, but by 2026, that number should increase to a more optimistic 350kW. Active aerodynamics, intended to make up for the new chassis' lower drag, are another source of worry for Verstappen.
F1: Christian Horner also Shares Concerns About the 2026 Engine Rules
Christian Horner, head of the Red Bull Racing team, has also voiced worries regarding the 2026 Formula One engine and chassis regulations. Red Bull has taken an aggressive position on the 2026 engine regulations, and this circumstance gives the impression that development of their first F1 engine is stalling. With the help of car manufacturer Ford, Red Bull has established a brand-new engine section to develop their very first F1 engine. Some have questioned the motives for the agreement, wondering whether it is just business.
Mercedes' team principal lashed out at Red Bull, stating the latter is "frightened" because they might not have the most competitive engine in 2026. In response to Wolff's criticism, Horner claimed that, although he is looking out for the team's best interests, the Mercedes team principal is more concerned with his own performance. Some high-ranking people have disregarded Horner's warnings, even though they may represent a real issue about the 2026 regulations.
F1: Red Bull Powertrains and Ford
After the 2025 season, when Honda's current association with the Red Bull ends due to the reset of Formula 1's technical rules, the American automaker Ford will join forces with the newly established Red Bull Powertrains. Honda also reached an agreement with Aston Martin to become engine suppliers to the British team from 2026.
Prior to the RB19's debut in New York City in February, Ford and Red Bull announced a partnership in which Ford employees will be stationed in Red Bull's Powertrains headquarters in Milton Keynes, the construction of which would begin in 2021. Ford has an impressive record in Formula 1, as the company is now ranked third on the all-time list of race winners thanks to engines developed in collaboration with Cosworth.
The first of their client teams to win an F1 race was Lotus in 1967, when Jim Clark took the chequered flag at Zandvoort. With Lotus, McLaren, Tyrrell, Brabham, and Matra all employing Ford and Cosworth DFV engines to win races in 1969 and 1973, respectively, the DFV engine has a special place in Formula 1 history. After Giancarlo Fisichella's win for Jordan at Interlagos in 2003, Ford sold the Jaguar team to Red Bull in 2004, therefore ending their presence in Formula 1.
Ford has been absent from F1 for the better part of two decades, but with the help of Red Bull, the company is getting ready to make its comeback, where it hopes to win more races and championships in the future.
In 2026, Red Bull-Ford will join the ranks of Mercedes, Renault, Honda, Ferrari, and Audi on the grid for the 2026 season who will supply engines in Formula 1.
