The 2026 Formula 1 season is expected to be a significant one for Red Bull and Audi, as both teams will be introducing their first F1 engines. Red Bull, in particular, has high expectations due to their rich history of winning titles in the sport. Despite the challenges they face, there are signs that they could be competitive in 2026. The team has assembled a strong engine department, signing dozens of engineers from other manufacturers, including Mercedes. Max Verstappen’s manager and Helmut Marko have also spoken positively about the 2026 Red Bull engine, which suggests that the team is making progress.
Audi, on the other hand, has been quietly assembling their engine department, with former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto playing a key role in recruiting top engineers. The team is expected to debut their 2026 challenger before pre-season testing begins, and if they can complete a “filming day” and privately test their car in early January, it will confirm that they have made good progress with reliability.
While both teams have invested heavily in their engine development, it’s still unclear how competitive they will be in 2026. Red Bull faces an uphill battle to produce a winning engine at the first time of asking, and Audi has a long-term target of fighting for wins by 2030. However, with the acquisition of top technicians and a strong engine department, both teams have the potential to upset the established names in 2026.
It’s worth noting that Red Bull has a history of hitting the ground running with new regulations, and their ability to find a potential loophole in the 2026 engine regulations could shorten their learning curve. Audi, meanwhile, has less pressure to fight at the front next year, but still has a massive question mark surrounding their team.
In conclusion, while Red Bull and Audi are still underdogs, they should not be written off. Both teams have invested heavily in their engine development, and with the right personnel and resources, they have the potential to be competitive in 2026. However, until the evidence on track proves otherwise, it’s difficult to predict how they will perform. One thing is certain, though – the 2026 season is shaping up to be an exciting one, with new engine manufacturers and new regulations set to shake up the grid.