Red Bull's start to life as a power unit supplier in Formula 1 has been heavily mixed.
The six-time constructors' champions sit fourth in the standings on 89 points after seven races, trailing Mercedes (262), Ferrari (190) and McLaren (141), and RacingNews365 readers do not expect that to change.
In our latest poll, a commanding 50.9% of voters believe Red Bull will remain in fourth for the entire season. Just 10.3% think they can become the strongest team, with 15.1% backing them for second and 23.7% for third.
It is difficult to argue with the pessimism. Max Verstappen's best result is a third place in Canada, and he has already suffered two retirements, including a front-row start in Monaco that yielded nothing.
The new Red Bull Ford power unit, while described as aggressively tuned for performance, remains unproven against the established might of Mercedes and Ferrari.
Team principal Laurent Mekies has been candid, admitting Red Bull "don't expect to be winning" in the short term, framing the 2026 project as a longer journey back to the front.
With the gap to McLaren in third already at 52 points and growing, the mountain only gets steeper.
Check out the full poll results below!
Will Red Bull rise higher than fourth in the pecking order in 2026?
| Option | % |
|---|---|
| Yes - Red Bull will become the strongest team in 2026 | 10.3 |
| Yes - Red Bull will become the second strongest team in 2026 | 15.1 |
| Yes - Red Bull will become the third strongest team in 2026 | 23.7 |
| No - Red Bull will stay fourth in the pecking order all season | 50.9 |
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