Mekies admits Red Bull 2026 engine gamble ‘as crazy as it gets’

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has embraced the scale of the challenge facing the Milton Keynes outfit as it prepares to debut its own Formula 1 power unit in 2026, admitting the decision is “as crazy as it gets.”

The team, working in collaboration with Ford, is building its first in-house engines at the Red Bull Powertrains facility – a bold move that pits the reigning champions against long-established rivals such as Mercedes, Ferrari and Honda.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff recently described Red Bull’s task as having “Mount Everest to climb.” When asked about that remark at last weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, Mekies agreed.

“Toto is right by saying that it's an Everest to climb,” Mekies said. “I think that's what it is.

“I think it's as crazy as it gets to take the decision to do your own power unit as Red Bull. It's an unbelievable challenge to be associated with. It's the sort of crazy stuff that Red Bull does, so it's a good feeling.”

No Illusions About the Competition

While Red Bull has dominated the hybrid-turbo era on track, Mekies was clear-eyed about what it means to start from scratch in engine development.

“We don't underestimate that these guys have been doing it for 90 years or something like that, so it would be silly from our side to think we are going to come here and right from the start be at Ferrari's level or at Mercedes' level,” he acknowledged.

“But it's being set up the Red Bull way at the maximum possible level. We take it step by step and we will see.

“We are trying to ramp up the power unit and the structures that go around the power unit – the people, the infrastructures – as quickly as possible.”

Sleepless Nights Ahead

With 2026 looming, Mekies admitted the workload is immense but insisted that the project reflects Red Bull’s DNA of pushing boundaries.

“We expect for sure a year with a lot of hard work with a lot of sleepless nights to get to the right level, but it's a challenge that we feel very much being a Red Bull challenge. And we love that.”

As Red Bull prepares to navigate uncharted territory, the Formula 1 world watches with keen interest.

Will their daring engine project propel them to new heights, or will the Everest of engine manufacturing prove too steep a climb?

Only time will tell, but for now, Red Bull is embracing the challenge with the fearless spirit that defines their brand.

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