Lando Norris Highlights Red Bull Power Unit Edge in Bahrain 2026

Formula 1, Sportrik Media – Lando Norris has stated that Red Bull Racing possesses a “beautiful” advantage in energy deployment after analysing GPS data from the 2026 Bahrain pre-season test.

Red Bull’s new power unit, developed in collaboration with Ford, has drawn significant attention in the paddock during the opening phase of testing. Mercedes-AMG Petronas team principal Toto Wolff suggested the engine appeared up to one second faster on the straights, a claim dismissed by reigning world champion Max Verstappen.

However, several drivers — including Norris — believe Red Bull has unlocked a meaningful performance step through its energy deployment strategy, particularly under acceleration zones.

“When someone just has a deployment advantage, that’s just a beautiful bit of lap time to have in your pocket. Without trying, you can just go quicker,” Norris told media including RacingNews365.

“From a car point of view, they seem to be performing well.”

McLaren Racing continues to run Mercedes power units this season as it aims to defend its 2025 double championship success. Yet as the first Bahrain test nears its conclusion, Norris acknowledged that McLaren may also be trailing Scuderia Ferrari in the current competitive order.

“We don’t seem to be quite at the level of the Ferrari either at the minute.”

“I know we are going to improve and we’re going to make steps forward, but I’m sure they are as well.”

“We have to wait to see. There’s no point trying to guess these things. We’ll do all the work we can and maximise our efforts at the minute.”

“But we’ve got a pretty big step to make to be confident of beating them, that’s for sure.”

Norris’s assessment underlines how energy deployment efficiency and power unit optimisation could play a decisive role in the early phase of the 2026 season. A clearer competitive picture is expected to emerge once the championship moves to Australia, where circuit characteristics will provide a different benchmark for evaluating overall performance.