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Verstappen on Red Bull Racing engine project with Ford

Verstappen positive about Red Bull's engine project: 'Very exciting'

27 June at 17:45
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  • Tygo Bekkema

Formula 1 's technical regulations will undergo another major overhaul in 2026. Both the aerodynamics and engine regulations are going to look quite different in due course. Red Bull Racing is building its own engine for 2026 with Ford, and Max Verstappen is impressed by the work ethic of the engine department. The Dutchman says he likes to stay informed about Red Bull's engine development.

Some drivers consciously choose to get involved in the technical aspect of the car to a lesser extent, but that certainly does not apply to Verstappen. The three-time world champion tries to be as involved as possible with the development. "I'm not the one designing the engine, but I find it incredibly important to know the basics, basically, and see where the project is heading," Verstappen said on Thursday ahead of the upcoming Grand Prix weekend at the Red Bull Ring in Austria.

Verstappen positive about 2026 engine

2026 will be the first year that Red Bull uses their own engine specifically developed by themselves, alongside technical partner Ford. Its production process obviously brings challenges, but the three-time world champion has every confidence in the people working away behind the scenes, and hopes the project turns into a success. "The team has hired a lot of good people. The only thing that I can say about it is that everyone is pushing flat out to try and make it the fastest engine possible. I like to be involved with the discussions. It's a very exciting project for the whole team. I have no doubt that everyone is trying their very best, and we have to wait and see how everything will be. But from what I can see, at the factory, when I've been around, they have all the tools that they need to have to make it a success. Hopefully, it will be." Concluded Verstappen.