Taking to the track as one of two new engine manufacturers in Formula 1, Max Verstappen is refusing to rule out Audi as a competitor to Red Bull-Ford, nor its rivals.<\/p>\n
This season, having said farewell to Renault in 2025, Formula 1 welcomes two new power unit suppliers in Red Bull-Ford and Audi.<\/p>\n
Max Verstappen: \u2018None of us have any idea of the new car, of the engine\u2019<\/p>\n
Want more PlanetF1.com coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google<\/a> to your favourites list for news you can trust<\/p>\n Both will arrive on the grid in Melbourne in March as independent suppliers after Red Bull-Ford replaced the Red Bull-Honda mix at the championship-winning team, while Audi bought the Sauber team with a mind to creating a works team \u2013 the engine and car developed in-house.<\/p>\n Who will come out on top, that\u2019s the big question.<\/p>\n Formula 1\u2019s engine regulations are changing this season<\/a>, with a new power unit formula that uses a new-generation of 1.6-litre V6 hybrid that run on sustainable fuel and increases electrification to a 50\/50 split with the internal combustion engine.<\/p>\n Over-taking mode, which utilises the configuration of the power unit and, to put it simply, grants the attacking car more engine power than the car attempting to defend, will be pivot in the battles from the front of the field to the back of it.<\/p>\n Formula 1\u2019s season of change: F1 2026 explained<\/p>\n \ud83d\udc49 F1 2026 tech analysed: The future of overtaking and biggest car advantage identified<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83d\udc49 F1 2026 driver line-up: Lewis Hamilton and other drivers confirmed for 2026<\/a><\/p>\n But while the teams have their numbers and data, ahead of the opening test in Barcelona, none of them know how their power units \u2013 nor cars \u2013 will perform.<\/p>\n Nor if they will perform at all, says four-time world champion Verstappen<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cThe same question will be even more difficult to answer in 2026,\u201d he told Blick when asked about predictions ahead of the new season.<\/p>\n \u201cNone of us have any idea of the new car, of the engine.\u201d<\/p>\n So much so, he reckons that first test in Spain, which will take place behind closed-doors, could see the teams spending more time in the garages than on the track.<\/p>\n \u201cI think at the first tests from January 26 in Barcelona we will be more in the garages than in action on the track,\u201d he continued.<\/p>\n \u201cHopefully we\u2019ll all be smarter at the two February tests in Bahrain.\u201d<\/p>\n After Spain, the teams will head to Bahrain for the first open test with media and fans able to see the cars in action. That runs from 11 to 13 February with a second Bahrain outing from 18 to 20 February before the teams head to Australia for the season-opening grand prix in March.<\/p>\n Verstappen reckons one new team, and engine manufacturer, could yet surprise amidst it all<\/p>\n \u201cA difficult question,\u201d he said of rival Audi\u2019s prospects.<\/p>\n \u201cIt will certainly take some time as a new team. But after a year or two, Nico might be able to ride at the front. Why not?<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe Audi will succeed in surprising us all.\u201d<\/p>\n Want to be the first to know exclusive information from the F1 paddock? Join our broadcast channel on WhatsApp<\/a> to get the scoop on the latest developments from our team of accredited journalists.
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