Verstappen denies panic setting in amid Red Bull concern

Max Verstappen has asserted he is not in a state of panic over Red Bull’s power unit construction for the 2026 Formula 1 campaign.

Red Bull has set up its own engine department to construct power units for the new era that gets underway in two years, which will see increased electrical output and the exit of the MGU-H component.

The new division has seen Ford come onboard as a partner and the power units are set to be raced by Red Bull and its sister RB team.

Speculation, however, has arisen that the project is behind schedule compared to its rivals and could provide Verstappen a reason to depart the team early.

Speaking to media including RacingNews365, the Dutchman outlined that he is not concerned by the suggestions.

"If I have to speculate about everything... I might be worried if I'm still alive tomorrow, right? I don't really worry about that too much,” Verstappen said.

"Of course, I am in close contact with Christian [Horner, Red Bull team principal] about that and the people working there.

“Everyone’s working flat out, so there is no need to panic about that. It's still not 2026.”

Verstappen excited for new era

Horner previously declared the construction of its power unit is the biggest task Red Bull has faced during the team’s history.

Verstappen mirrored Horner’s point of view but highlighted the team is enthusiastic about its potential.

“We know that it is a very big task, we don't take that lightly,” Verstappen added.

“And with so many well-established engine manufacturers, we also don't think it's going to be easy to beat them.

“But we have a lot of good people working on the project and we're very excited about it. So time will tell, of course, where it's going to be.”