Red Bull prepared for 'sleepless nights' in 'monumental' F1 challenge

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has insisted that the Austrian outfit is prepared for some "sleepless nights" in the opening rounds of the 2026 season, due to the "monumental" challenge of being its own power unit supplier.

For the start of the new power unit regulations, Red Bull, with technical support from Ford, has taken on the huge task of designing and developing its own F1 engines, which will also power sister outfit Racing Bulls.

It is a challenge that could see Red Bull face a very difficult season, particularly given its inexperience in engine development compared to the likes of Ferrari, Honda, and Mercedes.

Becoming a power unit supplier has turned Red Bull into a fully fledged factory operation, but Mekies has insisted that the size of the project at hand cannot be overlooked.

However, the team boss also feels that it is a challenge Red Bull is capable of meeting, but only if it manages its expectations.

"On the other hand, again, this is something that only Red Bull can do," the Frenchman stated to De Telegraaf. 

"That also means that we have to temper expectations in the first part of the season. We have to make sure we get the chassis and the engine going. 

"After that, you will see that we will make progression. At least I hope so, but this team has always proven that over the years.

"You have to look at it this way: the magnitude of this challenge is monumental. To develop your own engine from scratch, you shouldn't underestimate that. 

"If you think we are immediately on the same level as the manufacturers who have been doing this for 90 years, that's not going to happen."

Red Bull set for 'headaches'

Becoming an engine manufacturer in F1 is a task that will require immense patience from the Milton Keynes-based outfit, particularly as it deals with failures for the first time.

Red Bull did run on the first day of testing in Barcelona, with Isack Hadjar posting the quickest lap time, but Mekies, speaking before the test, knows the team will face some long nights.

"We expect the first few months to be tough," added Mekies. "And that we will have headaches and sleepless nights, and that sometimes we will have trouble getting the car out of the garage. 

"All true, but we also believe that we have the right people, the right partners and the right facilities to find our way up. Be patient and give us time."