Max Verstappen has lauded Red Bull's efforts in building its own in-house Formula 1 power units as "impressive" ahead of their introduction from 2026. After Honda pulled out of F1 at the end of 2021, Red Bull put a 'Red Bull Powertrains' badge over the Japanese units and continue to maintain them at their Milton Keynes base. The team has also been preparing for the new engine formula coming in 2026 by building units for those regulations - although a proposed tie-up with Porsche is now off after working cultural differences. And Verstappen who has won 26 races with Honda/RBPT power, is impressed by what he has heard and seen of the project.
Verstappen impressed with RBPT effort
"I've not been there yet," replied Verstappen when asked by media including RacingNews365.com if he had been to the new factory. "I've seen a few people around, and of course, I hear all the stories from Christian [Horner] and Helmut [Marko] as well. "It's pretty impressive what they're doing there at the moment, and what's to come [in the future.] "I was already speaking to Christian last time I was at the factory that next time I am there, we will head over and see what's what's going on. "We're so limited on time when I get there, it's just simulator the whole day or even after that, some media commitments as well. "So I've just never really had the time to travel there, but next time I do the simulator session, I'll shorten that a bit and go over."
Must not "underestimate effort"
Verstappen also praised the work being put into the project, as RBPT continues to add numbers and sign engineers from other teams, such as Mercedes High Performance Powertrains - the benchmark of the 1.6L V6 turbo hybrid era in F1. "It's something you cannot underestimate, and I think we are handling it in a good way," said Verstappen. "But of course, we still have to wait and see until 2026 to see how it's going to go, but everyone is very positive and motivated. "The new guys who came in, they're really excited and it's a new opportunity for them - they seem very happy at the moment and motivated to create something amazing. "It's good to have commitment from a lot of important people on the team, not only on the engine side but also within the team high up. "When you have these kinds of commitments, you can see the motivation is really high."
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