Marko gives update on Red Bull 2026 power unit

Red Bull Advisor Helmut Marko has give an update on the progress of their 2026 powertrain.

The team has decided to link up with Ford for the upcoming regulation change, after committing to launching its own power unit followings Honda's initial withdrawal in 2021.

The factory in Milton Keynes opened earlier this year, with Red Bull set to initially only supply themselves and AlphaTauri before committing to any extended customer system.

Several members from rival teams have joined the operation, which Marko believes this has given the team a head start when speaking to Motorsport Total: "I don't think we are technically behind. We brought people from Ferrari, Mercedes, Renault and Cosworth.

"We have Ford as a partner in the sector. We have absolute top people in the combustion engine. And we have two very bright minds on the electrical side.

"In August, a complete combustion engine with MGU-K and battery is still running. There we are miles ahead of Audi, we are miles ahead of Ferrari, and Mercedes is about the same."

Marko wants F1 car design changes

Marko outlined the main change he would like to see when the regulations come into effect.

"The weight is a safety risk. The Silverstone accident that Max [Verstappen] had in 2021 can be completely different with such a heavy battery," he explained.

Red Bull has been in favour of decreasing the reliance on the battery power, due to the risks associated with carrying the extra weight they produce.

"We already have cars that approach the sports car level in terms of weight and dimensions," said Marko.

"However, the racetracks remain the same. We would all have to make them one meter wider to keep up with the development of the cars.

"We should start there. The cars have to become lighter and smaller again. If you then need 30 litres of fuel just to charge the battery, then something is wrong in terms of approach."