Image: from Motorsportive X@MotorsportiveHQ
By Open Chronicle Staff | February 12, 2026
SAKHIR, Bahrain – Three-time world champion Max Verstappen has shed light on Red Bull Racing’s strategic approach to the 2026 pre-season testing, emphasizing that the team is currently in a high-intensity “learning phase” with its brand-new Red Bull Powertrains-Ford engine.
As Formula 1 enters a transformative era of technical regulations, Red Bull has taken the monumental step of becoming its own engine manufacturer. For Verstappen, the opening day of testing was less about chasing the leaderboard and more about stress-testing the new hardware.
High Mileage, Deep Data
Despite being pipped to the fastest time by McLaren’s Lando Norris in the dying moments of Wednesday’s session, Verstappen was the undisputed leader in productivity. The Dutchman completed a marathon 136 laps, the highest of any driver on track, providing the Milton Keynes squad with a mountain of diagnostic data.
“It was a good day; we managed to do a lot of laps and test different programs,” Verstappen noted after stepping out of the car. “The Red Bull Powertrains-Ford project is completely new compared to the others. There is so much to learn and discover before the first race.”
The Challenges of a New Manufacturer
Verstappen admitted that established engine suppliers might have a simpler path during testing due to years of legacy data. However, as a newcomer to the power unit arena, Red Bull is leaving nothing to chance.
The team utilized the session to run simulations that mimic a standard Grand Prix weekend, including specific mapping and endurance tests that would usually be routine for more experienced manufacturers. Verstappen highlighted the necessity of “testing everything” to ensure the reliability of the Ford-backed unit.
“This might be simpler for an engine manufacturer with more experience, but when you are new, you have to verify every detail,” the Dutchman explained.
Focusing on the Big Picture
Beyond the engine, the team spent significant time correlating data between the Bahrain circuit and previous wind tunnel findings. Verstappen emphasized that the primary objective of the first day—accumulating knowledge and avoiding catastrophic mechanical failures, was successfully achieved.
While young talent Isack Hadjar took over testing duties on Thursday, Verstappen is slated to return to the cockpit on Friday for a final round of evaluations. With the season-opening Australian Grand Prix scheduled for March 8, the clock is ticking for Red Bull to refine their “experimental” setup into a championship-winning machine.