Red Bull ready to ‘embarrass’ Mercedes with 2026 power unit

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has expressed bold confidence in the team’s in-house power unit program as Formula 1 prepares for the 2026 regulation overhaul, suggesting that outperforming established manufacturers like Mercedes would be a significant embarrassment for the competition.

With sweeping regulation changes set to shake up the grid next year, Red Bull Powertrains – in partnership with Ford – will supply the team with its own engines for the first time.

The move comes at a critical juncture, as Red Bull looks to secure long-term competitiveness and keep four-time world champion Max Verstappen committed amid persistent speculation about his future.

“It Would Be Embarrassing for Mercedes”

While Horner admitted that expectations should be tempered given the scale of Red Bull's engine undertaking, he didn't shy away from highlighting the potential impact – or the pressure it puts on more established players.

“We understand the pressure that there is next year, with us coming in as a new power unit manufacturer,” Horner said.

“The challenge of that is enormous. But we've got a hugely capable group of people. We've invested significantly. We've got a great culture within the team. Who knows?

“To expect us to be ahead of Mercedes next year is… It would be embarrassing for Mercedes if we were, or for any manufacturer. But I think we're going to be in a competitive position, potentially even to where we are today relative to our other PU manufacturers. There's everything to play for.”

Horner’s comments reflect both ambition and a calculated jab at Mercedes, a dominant force in Formula 1’s power unit era since 2014.

Red Bull’s decision to develop its own engine at its Milton Keynes facility, rather than relying on an external supplier, marks a significant shift.

The team’s partnership with Ford and its substantial investment in Red Bull Powertrains underscore its long-term commitment to controlling its own destiny under the new regulations.

“All Under One Roof” is Red Bull’s Long Game

Even if the team hits some initial hurdles in 2026, Horner believes Red Bull's vertically integrated model – designing both chassis and engine in-house – will pay long-term dividends.

“What’s great is having it all under one roof, chassis engineers sitting next to engine engineers. That shouldn’t be underestimated when you’re talking about the packaging,” Horner explained.

“When you’ve got the ability to have those groups communicating and talking with each other directly over a cup of coffee and within the same facility, that is priceless, and that will pay dividends.

“Maybe it won’t be in '26, but '27, '28, and beyond, long-term for Red Bull, 100% it is the right thing.”

Regulations Still Evolving

In the background, discussions are ongoing between the FIA and engine manufacturers over catch-up mechanisms to prevent a major performance gulf when the new regulations kick in.

These could include adjustments to the power unit cost cap or increased dynamometer time for those lagging behind — a move that may help new entrants like Red Bull Powertrains stay in touch early on.

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For now, Red Bull is doubling down on its bet – investing heavily in infrastructure and talent – with Horner confident that, regardless of how 2026 unfolds, the strategy will ultimately position the team for sustained success.

And if it beats the likes of Mercedes right out of the gate? That, according to Horner, would perhaps say more about them than Red Bull.

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