Reigning World Champion Max Verstappen has insisted that the incoming 2026 power unit regulations are “overcomplicating” Formula 1, whilst there are also concerns that Red Bull are behind on their preparations.
The 2026 engine regulations are getting closer and closer, as is Red Bull’s huge step into becoming a full power unit supplier.
Red Bull have built their own power unit department at Milton Keynes, with the Austrians set to power themselves and sister team AlphaTauri in 2026. Ford will offer technical assistance.
The Austrians have perhaps spoken more about the new regulations than any other team and have expressed their displeasure at them.
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Red Bull have raised concerns that the drivers will be forced to downshift on the straights of circuits like Monza, something Verstappen believes is just making driving the cars too complicated.
“I think it’s really over complicating a lot of things,” Verstappen told media including PlanetF1.com at the British Grand Prix.
According to the Dutchman, other drivers have raised similar concerns about the new regulations; however, he’s unsure just how many drivers are “fully aware” of how the new regulations are shaping up.
“Yeah – I’m just not sure how many are actually fully aware of how it’s looking,” Verstappen said.
The fact Red Bull know so much about the new regulations, has raised suggestions that they are very far ahead in their preparations for 2026.
Some though, have revealed that Red Bull are actually below on their expectations, and are facing a tough start to life in the new era of the sport in 2026.
Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko believes this isn’t the case and insists that the Austrians are “miles ahead” of every other powertrain supplier, with the exception of Mercedes.
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“I don’t think we are technically behind,” Marko told German publication Motorsport-Total.com.
“We have brought in people from Ferrari, Mercedes, Renault and Cosworth [to Red Bull Powertrains]. We have Ford as a partner in the sector. We have absolute top people on the combustion engine. And we have two very bright minds on the electric side.
“In August, we are running a complete combustion engine with MGU-K and battery. There we are miles ahead of Audi, we are miles ahead of Ferrari, and Mercedes is about the same.”