Alex Albon Says Red Bull Most Efficient in Bahrain 2026

Formula 1, Sportrik Media – Alex Albon has suggested that Red Bull Racing currently appears to be the most efficient team at the 2026 Formula 1 pre-season test in Bahrain, particularly in terms of energy deployment and straight-line performance.

The Milton Keynes-based squad made a strong impression on the opening day of running, with Max Verstappen completing 136 laps and finishing second on the timesheets. The performance drew attention from rival teams, including Albon’s team-mate Carlos Sainz, who described Red Bull as a “step ahead” of the competition.

Red Bull has entered the new era running its own in-house power unit for the first time, having previously downplayed expectations as it undertook the significant technical transition. However, early telemetry data suggests the team has achieved strong efficiency in deployment and overall drivability.

“In terms of corners, there are a few teams that are competitive,” Albon told media including RacingNews365.

“The top four teams are all good in all the squiggly bits. The Red Bull is strong on the straights.”

“What we’ve seen so far, it’s not just that it’s strong on the straights.”

“It looks more consistent in terms of its deployment. It looks like the drivability is strong.”

Albon emphasised that under the 2026 regulations, smoothness and energy management are currently delivering significant lap time gains.

“There’s a lot of lap time at the moment just in drivability and making the car feel smooth. That’s actually a lot of the work that’s being done yesterday and today.”

Mercedes-AMG Petronas team principal Toto Wolff also commented on Red Bull’s early performance, claiming the team could be up to one second per lap quicker on the straights. When presented with that assessment, Albon pointed to the available data.

“The GPS is pretty telling. They are very quick on the straights.”

With energy deployment efficiency emerging as a decisive factor in the early stages of the 2026 regulation cycle, Red Bull’s apparent advantage in Bahrain positions it as an early benchmark ahead of the season opener.