Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Liam Lawson of Red Bull Racing has revealed that the team harboured internal doubts over its power unit project prior to the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Entering a new era as a power unit manufacturer through Red Bull Powertrains, the Milton Keynes-based outfit partnered with Ford to develop its first in-house engine. The programme also supplies sister team Racing Bulls, with initial expectations kept deliberately cautious due to the complexity of the new regulations.
Despite encountering reliability issues during pre-season testing and across the opening rounds, the power unit has exceeded early expectations in terms of performance. Lawson described the progress as a significant technical achievement for the organisation.
“I think it’s exceptional, to be honest,” Lawson said.
“We had some issues during Melbourne, and unfortunately for Red Bull they had a car drop out as well, but overall it’s been very positive.”
He also acknowledged that the current situation marks a notable shift from the team’s internal outlook one year ago, when confidence in the project was far lower.
“A year ago, we weren’t hearing amazing things, and we weren’t super confident about it. Now, all of a sudden, we have quite a strong engine.”
In terms of early-season performance, Liam Lawson failed to score points at the Australian Grand Prix following a difficult start. However, team-mate Arvid Lindblad secured points on his Formula 1 debut, offering an early indication of the package’s potential.
Lawson later opened his account at the Shanghai International Circuit, finishing seventh in both the Sprint and the Grand Prix. These results underline a gradual improvement in competitiveness, even as development continues.
“For us, it really helped in Melbourne. It’s extremely positive. We’re continuing to learn and find more performance throughout the season, which is the main goal.”
From a technical standpoint, Red Bull’s power unit project remains in an evolutionary phase, with a clear focus on improving reliability and extracting further performance gains. Adapting to the new regulatory framework remains a critical factor in determining the team’s competitiveness against established manufacturers.
With a solid foundation now emerging, Red Bull enters a crucial development phase. Ongoing progress will be key in establishing whether the team can consistently challenge at the front as the 2026 Formula 1 season moves into its next phase.
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