Red Bull F1 Engineer “The 2026 F1 engine design is a huge challenge”[F1-Gate.com]

-Red Bull F1 Technical Director Pierre Washet revealed just how big of a challenge the team is facing to prepare its powertrain in time for the new F1 regulations for 2026.

The next generation F1 engine will produce three times the power of the current generation, using significantly less energy and producing zero net 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 big 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 signed an agreement with Honda to purchase all F1 engines, intending to supply both Red Bull Racing and the AlphaTauri Scuderia.

The 2022 season is the first official season run by Red Bull Powertrains and has enjoyed a successful season with 12 race wins, 5 pole positions and 8 fastest laps in the Grand Prix.

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 plant.

“Once everything is organized, you will see how many buildings, dynamos, they have put together,” continued Pierre Wasch.

“In this area, the learning curve is very steep, but the turnaround times for parts are very long.”

After Red Bull bought Honda’s set-up, the company announced the acquisition of several high-profile staff members from F1 rival Mercedes HPP’s engine division.

Pierre Wash believes these additional qualities for Red Bull powertrains are critical to engine performance under the new regulations.

“I see the desire, the motivation and the quality of the people in our team. I think it’s very nice.”