Ferrari and Mercedes team up to stop Red Bull’s 2026 Power Unit plea

Red Bull is denied 'new supplier' privileges.

Ferrari and Mercedes team up to stop Red Bull’s 2026 Power Unit plea

Red Bull Racing

Red Bull Racing established its own power unit production unit in 2022 when engine supplier Honda pulled out of Formula One to focus on developing sustainable vehicles. Red Bull Powertrains, or RBPT, was registered as an independent entity in 2021 to supply engines to the 2 Red Bull-owned Formula One team.

The newly established RBPT division heavily employed engineers from Honda and continued to run the operation under a new name. As per the 2023 F1 entry list, Red Bull’s engine supplier has been named ‘Honda RBPT’. With several major brands entering Formula One as engine partners with the introduction of new regulations in 2026, Red Bull was keen to capitalize on the opportunity to gain an advantage.

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Earlier this month, Ford announced its return to Formula One as a PU partner for Red Bull from 2026 onwards. Similarly, Audi will be joining the Sauber team as their PU supplier. With growing interest to enter similar partnerships by companies such as Cadillac and Porsche, one can see why Red Bull is eyeing to gain a competitive advantage owing to their title as a ‘new engine supplier’ following their rebranding as RBPT-Ford in 2026.

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Related: What happens to F1 tires after a Grand Prix is over?

Ferrari launches stern protest against Red Bull’s supposed ‘new-supplier’ advantage

Red Bull Racing-Honda
Red Bull Racing-Honda

It was recently revealed by La Gazzetta dello Sport that Ferrari and Audi, along with Mercedes, had blocked Red Bull from utilizing increased hours of bench tests compared to their existing competitors. This is said to be the case because Red Bull’s knowledge of hybrid and electrification in F1 is so substantial that it can be considered on par with the competition. Therefore not being eligible for testing advantages that a new supplier would normally benefit from.

Ferrari refused to sign an FIA document until Red Bull’s status was cleared. The opposing teams certainly believe that due to RBPT’s extensive involvement in the sport and experience, they fail to qualify for any ‘newcomer benefits’. Also, Ford is believed to merely be a commercial partner for Red Bull instead of a technical addition. So far, 6 Power Unit suppliers have been confirmed by the FIA for 2026.

It will be interesting to see how the new suppliers with little to no recent experience in Formula One fare against Mercedes and Ferrari. Notably, 2026 marks the dawn of a new era in the performance and sustainability of the V6 Hybrid engines used by Formula One since 2014.

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