Otmar Szafnauer insists Renault is against Red Bull’s push for changes in 2026 Power unit regulations

Otmar Szafnauer claimed that Renault is content with the 2026 regulations despite Red Bull's demand for changes.

Otmar Szafnauer insists Renault is against Red Bull’s push for changes in 2026 Power unit regulations

Otmar Szafnauer (image via BVM sports0, Christian Horner (image via PlanetF1)

Formula 1 will be overhauling its Power units in 2026. The new regulations will result in equal power output for the internal combustion engine and the electrical components. Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner had demanded discussions to change the power output ratio. Now, Alpine Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer has made it clear that Renault is not in favor of such amendments.

Szafnauer mentioned that Renault’s F1 power unit division is not willing to have changes to the regulations. The Alpine team boss had talked to the Renault team back in France’s Viry-Châtillon and was told that they are satisfied with the decided rules. He said, “Speaking to the powertrain guys, we want to keep it as is… So I would imagine it’s going to be unlikely that it’s changed.”

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Previously, Christian Horner had claimed that the new 2026 rules for the power units would end up creating “Frankenstein cars.” Otmar Szafanauer addressed this remark and believed that it would be too early to determine the characteristics of the 2026 cars as of yet. Although the Alpine team boss was optimistic. He continued, “We haven’t determined that yet. I hope it isn’t a Frankenstein package.”

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Red Bull faces a stiff challenge in tweaking 2026 regulations

Max Verstappen during British GP Qualifying (Credits: @TomCoronel/Twitter)
Max Verstappen during British GP Qualifying (Credits: @TomCoronel/Twitter)

The Milton Keynes-based team urged the other manufacturers to look into changes in the next set of Power units. However, Horner has failed to win over his rivals with Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff ruling out a change completely. Szafnauer’s remarks serve as another major blow to Red Bull Ford Powertrains as it has now had two of the other five power unit suppliers against its desire for changes.

However, Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur has mentioned that Maranello might be open to a tweak of 5% in the 50:50 split. Although, the Frenchman made it clear that the chassis regulations for the 2026 cars must be first agreed upon to discuss such a change. As such, it might be a challenge for Christian Horner and Red Bull to swing things in their favor.

Thus, Otmar Szafnauer has shut the door on Renault’s behalf on any changes to the 2026 Power units. The French automaker is content with the current set of regulations that have been agreed upon by all the manufacturers including new entrant Audi. It seems that currently, Red Bull is lacking adequate support from its rivals.

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