Verstappen not ‘panicking’ over Red Bull 2026 engine delays

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Max Verstappen says he isn’t losing any sleep over speculation that Red Bull Powertrains’ efforts to develop its 2026 F1 engine have been delayed by setbacks.

Red Bull is taking a bold step towards self-sufficiency in F1 by developing its own power unit for Grand Prix racing’s 2026 engine regulations.

The Milton Keynes-based outfit and its sister RB team in Faenza currently rely on a partnership between Red Bull Powertrains (RBPT) and Honda that will conclude at the end of the 2025 F1 season.

RBPT is hard at work designing its future unit, leveraging input from automotive giant Ford on the electrification component of the project.

However, whispers have been circulating regarding potential development delays which, if true, could put a strain on Verstappen’s long-term commitment to the team.

But the Dutchman is ignoring the hearsay.

Read also: Verstappen loses long-standing trusted Red Bull ally

"I mean, if I have to speculate about everything... I might be worried if I'm still alive tomorrow, right?," he said. "So, I don't really worry about that too much.

"Of course, I am in close contact with Christian [Horner - Red Bull team principal] about that and the people working there. Everyone's working flat out, so there is no need to panic about that. It's still not 2026."

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Late last year, Horner admitted that a dose of apprehension had set in at Milton Keynes, not because of any delays but simply due to the sheer magnitude of Red Bull’s engine project.

“I don't think people perhaps comprehend the scale of the challenge that we've taken on for 2026,” Horner said at the time.

“But the way the team is attacking it is exactly the same way that we have with the chassis. We're on a good trajectory.

“We have got some great people involved, and we have got a great culture. We're looking forward, and I'm looking forward, to it.”

Verstappen echoed Horner’s perspective, underlining the team’s excitement about its project.

“We know that it is a very big task, we don't take that lightly,” added the three-time F1 world champion.

“And with so many well-established engine manufacturers, we also don't think it's going to be easy to beat them.

“But we have a lot of good people working on the project and we're very excited about it. So time will tell, of course, where it's going to be.”

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.