Max Verstappen manager reveals 'good things' about Red Bull power unit

Max Verstappen's manager, Raymond Vermeulen, says he hears "good things" about Red Bull's power unit for the 2026 F1 season.

The Milton Keynes-based team is becoming an F1 engine manufacturer for the first time at the advent of the new power unit regulations cycle, which coincides with the chassis rules changing, too.

Ford has come on board as a technical partner, but with Honda departing for a works relationship with Aston Martin, Red Bull — through Red Bull Powertrains (RBPT) — is essentially going solo for the first time in two decades as an F1 team.

Also supplying sister outfit Racing Bulls, there has been considerable intrigue over how the six-time F1 constructors' champion will fare against more established power unit providers, such as Mercedes and Ferrari.

Given the recent speculation that Verstappen could seek a new home in F1, particularly if Red Bull underperforms at the start of the new era, there is significant pressure for the team to hit the ground running.

In recent days, there have been rumours that the Laurent Mekies-led squad — and Mercedes — have found a loophole in the power unit rules that allows for a clever trick.

But even before that came to light, Vermeulen had reason to be confident on behalf of the four-time F1 drivers' champion.

When speaking exclusively to RacingNews365, he shared his thoughts on the new dawn for Red Bull, but was astute to highlight that, at this stage, it is all relative.

"What's the reference for next year? Nobody knows," he begins. "So it will be very clear in the first few races how things are panning out. So we start with a fresh approach.

"We hear good things about the engine, but what is good? I don't know, what's the reference? So let's wait and see.

"I think the trigger point will be which team is able to turn it around as quickly as possible, if you're not high in the pecking order.

"So, how to reshuffle the office back in the factory and get new parts on the car to have a quick car. So, let's see how that pans out. But it's the same for everyone, so that's the good part of it."

Verstappen is 'still young, still eager and still very quick'

Under the leadership of Mekies, who took over as team principal from Christian Horner in July, Red Bull has rediscovered its form, being transformed from a team on the decline into one on the rise.

That, coupled with the Monza-specification floor update, helped propel Verstappen back into the 2025 F1 drivers' title fight, with the Dutchman exceeding all mid-season expectations to finish just two points behind the eventual champion Lando Norris in the standings.

At just 28, the 71-time grand prix winner is still reaching the peak of his powers, which makes for a scary prospect — if provided with a car worthy of his abilities.

And Vermeulen maintains that there is reason for renewed belief, after it had previously looked like his driver was searching for the nearest exit.

"Absolutely, absolutely," he says when the first part is put to him. "We have a good group of people. Red Bull, the motor company, is fully behind it.

"They are fully committed, investing huge amounts of money in engines and the wind tunnel and factory settings, so everything is on green. So let's see."

When it is queried whether he could not be happier with the current situation, he replies: "For the moment, we are, absolutely.

"I think we had a hell of a season. We have a very challenging year ahead. Max is still young, still eager and still very quick. So, all to play for."