Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Max Verstappen has described the upcoming Australian Grand Prix as the “real test” for Red Bull Racing as the team prepares to run its own Formula 1 power unit in a grand prix for the first time.
The new engine has been developed by Red Bull Powertrains with technical support from Ford. The project has been in development since 2022 and will make its competitive debut at the 2026 season opener at Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne.
Red Bull’s Engine Project Reaches Race Debut
The launch of Red Bull’s in-house power unit represents a major technical milestone for the Milton Keynes organisation. Since the start of the hybrid era in 2014, leading Formula 1 teams have relied on established engine manufacturers such as Mercedes, Ferrari, Renault or Honda.
However, Red Bull made the strategic decision to build its own power unit through Red Bull Powertrains. The programme also includes technical collaboration with Ford, particularly in areas related to electrification and energy management.
The engine attracted attention during pre-season testing in Bahrain, where it demonstrated promising reliability and energy deployment. Verstappen completed a large number of laps without significant issues, an encouraging sign for a completely new power unit entering its first competitive season.
The engine will power both Red Bull-backed teams on the grid, allowing the organisation to gather valuable performance and reliability data across multiple cars during race weekends.
Four Drivers to Use the New Red Bull Power Unit
In 2026 the Red Bull power unit will be used by four drivers across two teams in the championship. Verstappen will lead the programme alongside his new team-mate Isack Hadjar at Red Bull Racing.
Meanwhile sister team Racing Bulls will also run the same engine package with drivers Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad.
Running the power unit in four cars will allow Red Bull engineers to collect extensive data on performance, reliability and energy recovery systems throughout the season.
This broader data set is expected to accelerate development as the championship progresses, particularly as the new engine adapts to circuits with very different characteristics.
Verstappen: Melbourne Will Be the Real Test
Despite the encouraging signs from pre-season testing, Verstappen acknowledged that the true evaluation of the project will come once the engine is used under full race conditions.
“It will be great to be back on track and start up the season. It has felt like a long build-up to this point, and it is exciting to finally get out racing again,” Verstappen said.
“In Bahrain, seeing the car with our own power unit getting in so many laps was very impressive. There were a lot of proud faces seeing it go out for the first time, and the team has done a great job.”
The Dutch driver added that much of the development phase had taken place in simulation before the car was finally ready to run on track.
“We’ve been driving the car in the simulator for such a long time, so when it was finally time to come back and see the car ready to go, I did get goosebumps.”
However, Verstappen emphasised that the first race weekend will provide the clearest picture of how competitive the package really is.
“Now is the real test. Looking at Melbourne, I don’t know how it is all going to play out, but we have been learning a lot and working on optimising the car as best we can.”
Albert Park Holds Special Memories
The Melbourne circuit also carries personal significance for Verstappen. Albert Park Circuit was the venue for some of the early moments in his Formula 1 career and remains one of the most recognisable tracks on the calendar.
“Obviously, this track has many great memories for me, especially driving my first ever F1 race here,” Verstappen explained.
“But this year will be a particularly exciting challenge, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it goes.”
A New Era for Red Bull in Formula 1
The debut of Red Bull’s own power unit marks the beginning of a new technical chapter for the team within Formula 1. If the project proves competitive and reliable, it could establish Red Bull as one of the few teams capable of producing both chassis and power unit internally.
However, as Verstappen acknowledged, the opening race of the 2026 season in Melbourne will provide the first real indication of whether Red Bull’s ambitious engine programme can immediately compete with its rivals.
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