Max Verstappen Tests Red Bull Engine in Bahrain 2026

Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing used the opening day of the 2026 Formula 1 Bahrain pre-season test to conduct extensive experiments on their new Red Bull Powertrains-Ford power unit, marking a critical phase ahead of the new regulatory era.

For the first time in its history, Red Bull enters a season as a full power unit manufacturer through Red Bull Powertrains, developed in collaboration with Ford. The project represents a structural transformation for the Milton Keynes-based team as Formula 1 transitions into the 2026 power unit regulations.

Despite junior driver Arvid Lindblad losing track time due to a technical issue in the afternoon session, Verstappen completed a field-high 136 laps and posted the second-fastest time of the day. He was displaced from the top of the timesheets late in the session by Lando Norris. However, lap times were secondary to programme execution.

The four-time world champion explained that Red Bull’s focus was on validating systems and simulating race weekend procedures—areas where established manufacturers such as Mercedes and Ferrari possess long-standing operational experience.

“We had a good day, we got in a lot of laps and tested different programmes,” Verstappen said.

“Red Bull Ford Powertrains is still a completely new project compared to others, so there is so much to keep learning and figuring out ahead of the first race. We went through a lot of testing procedures that we might run into during a race weekend. This might be more straightforward for a power unit manufacturer who has been in the game a long time, but when you are new, you need to test it all.”

Verstappen emphasised that comparative lap times were irrelevant given the variety of programmes across the grid, with energy deployment, reliability checks and tyre understanding taking priority.

“Of course, we also did a lot of normal running. Everyone is running completely different programmes, so we are not focusing on lap times and the standings, but instead focusing on understanding the car and the tyres.”

The Dutchman also highlighted the importance of correlating data between Bahrain and Barcelona, noting the significant difference in track characteristics and environmental conditions.

“It is a completely different track compared to Barcelona, so it is good to have that comparison. Looking at the day, it was all okay, and we didn’t run into trouble, which was the most important thing.”

With no major reliability concerns on the primary RB22 package, Verstappen described operational stability as the key achievement of Day 1. The next phase of testing will further stress the new power unit under extended race simulations and higher thermal loads.

As Formula 1 enters a new power unit era defined by a 50-50 split between combustion and electrical power, Red Bull’s ability to rapidly close the experience gap to established manufacturers could prove decisive in shaping the competitive order heading into the season opener.