Red Bull F1 technical director Pierre Washet has revealed just how big of a challenge the team is facing in getting its power unit ready in time for the new F1 regulations for 2026.
The next-generation F1 engine will produce three times the power of the current generation while using significantly less energy and delivering net-zero CO2 emissions.
The new F1 regulations boast lower development costs, better-designed safety cells and greener engines, while producing over 1,000 horsepower with less fuel involved in the process.
“From what I can see, it’s clearly a huge challenge,” said Pierre Washet.
“My focus right now is on the current championship, but if you start from scratch like they do, it’s obviously a big challenge.”
After Honda announced plans to exit F1 at the end of 2021, Red Bull has signed a deal with Honda to purchase all F1 engine assets, with the intention of supplying both Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri. did.
The 2022 season is the first official season to be operated by Red Bull Powertrains and has enjoyed a successful season with 12 race wins, 5 pole positions and 8 Grand Prix fastest laps.
However, 2026 will be the first season in which the F1 engine will be designed, developed and engineered from scratch at the Red Bull Powertrains factory.
“Once you’ve organized everything, you’ll see how many buildings, dynamos, they’ve put together,” continued Pierre Wasch.
“In this area, the learning curve is very steep, but the lead times for parts are very long.”
After Red Bull bought Honda’s set-up, the company has announced the acquisition of several high-profile staff members from the engine division of F1 rival Mercedes HPP.
Pierre Wash feels these additional qualities to Red Bull Powertrains are key to the engine’s performance under the new regulations.
“I see the desire, the motivation and the quality of the people in our team. I think it feels very good.”
