Marko is certain that the Red Bull engine will impress.

      "The driver needs to be sharp and astute."

      Dr. Helmut Marko has stated that Red Bull is pleased with the advancements made on its newly developed 2026 Red Bull-Ford power unit, despite ongoing expectations that the team may face challenges during its first year as a complete works engine manufacturer. "Internally, we’re pleased," Marko told reporters. "However, like everyone else, we lack insight into our competitors’ data. It’s not merely about the combustion engine; it also relates to the fuel, battery, and the car. I believe that offers us a significant edge."

      Marko mentioned that the team possesses one advantage regardless of the final engine performance—Max Verstappen, who has a contract until 2028. "The driver must be clever and resourceful in utilizing the battery power," he remarked. "And we have one driver who can perform rapidly and adapt quickly. That should give us an advantage."

      Red Bull's chief engineer, Paul Monaghan, shared similar sentiments regarding the uncertainties posed by the new regulations. "This represents a significant shift from our past practices," he noted. "Some teams may adapt quickly, while others might encounter difficulties, potentially resulting in a wider performance gap on the grid than we currently see."

      He elaborated that energy management will become increasingly vital in 2026. "We decrease wing downforce on the straights, leading to a rapid depletion of energy—then how do you recover?" Monaghan remarked. "If a driver manages energy differently and one team is slightly less efficient, overtaking becomes quite possible."

      Monaghan cautioned that the initial races might be unpredictable. "We might not be as closely matched as we are now. With entirely new cars and unfamiliar electronics—will everyone finish the race? It remains uncertain. We'll soon find out."