Mekies shares stark reality of Red Bull’s 2026 project
Red Bull Racing team principal Laurent Mekies has admitted the team faces a “titanic” challenge as it prepares for the 2026 Formula 1 season.
“Next year, the challenge is titanic.”- Laurent Mekies
The French motorsports chief, who recently took the reins at the Milton Keynes-based outfit, explained why Red Bull delayed shifting its full focus to the 2026 regulations, stressing the importance of fully understanding its development processes.
“We did it because it was important to understand the tools and methods. If you don’t understand the mistakes, you can still make them in the future,” Mekies told Corriere della Sera.
While the Red Bull team boss further acknowledged the delay in the development shift, he conceded that the team faces a herculean task in achieving success, particularly at the start of next year.
“Sure, we wasted time on the 2026 development, but in return, we gained trust and certainty. Next year, the challenge is titanic: we’re building the engine in-house with the support of Ford. We know we’ll have to struggle at the start; it would be naive to say no,” Mekies concluded.
With several changes set to herald Formula 1 in 2026, the Red Bull Racing team has also called time on its long-standing partnership with engine supplier Honda. The Austrian outfit will develop its own power unit – Red Bull Powertrains – in partnership with American automobile giant Ford.
Alonso puts rivals on alert with 2026 prediction
While Mekies and the Red Bull Racing outfit forecast a challenging start for the team in 2026, Fernando Alonso expects the Aston Martin team to be straight among the front runners under the new regulations.
The two-time champion recently expressed confidence in Aston Martin’s preparation and key partnerships, which he believes will prove integral ahead of the 2026 sweeping changes.
Catch up with GPblog’s Latest Paddock Update
With the post-2025 season finale action and reaction continuing, our paddock update is the place to be.
Follow our channels on YouTube and Spotify to stay up to date with all the happenings as they unfold following the final Grand Prix of the campaign.
Check out the latest episode of our paddock update here 👇
Popular on GPBlog
Wolff doubles down on 400 km/h claim as 2026 F1 overhaul looms
Norris splashed out this staggering sum to celebrate first F1 title
Hamilton warned against 'acting like an engineer' amid Vettel parallel
