What engine will Red Bull run in 2026?
Red Bull plans to run an in-house power unit from 2026, marking a major shift in Formula 1 powertrain independence.
This article examines where Red Bull stands now with its engine supply, the timeline for developing a Red Bull Powertrains unit, and what the move could mean for the team and the sport’s engineering landscape.
Current engine supply status
To understand future plans, it helps to review the present setup and the path toward 2026.
- Power units are supplied by Honda’s RBPT (Red Bull Powertrains) under the Red Bull banner since 2022.
- Honda continues to provide technical support and collaboration through the ongoing transition period into the mid-2020s.
- Units are branded and marketed as RBPT hardware, reflecting the partnership while the underlying technology originates from Honda’s Power Unit program.
- Red Bull has publicly signaled its intention to develop and field an in-house powertrain by 2026.
In short, Red Bull’s current season-to-season setup relies on Honda-backed power units, with a clear roadmap to transition to a fully in-house engine by 2026.
What changes for 2026?
If the plan proceeds as intended, 2026 would mark the first year Red Bull fields a powertrain designed, built, and maintained by its own engineering operation.
- Full in-house development and production under Red Bull Powertrains, with ongoing external input as needed.
- Brand transition: engines would be branded as Red Bull Powertrains rather than Honda RBPT, potentially affecting alignment with the broader F1 engine ecosystem.
- Adherence to 2026 F1 power unit regulations, including the established 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid format and energy-recovery systems, with any regulatory adjustments accounted for in development.
- Organizational and capital investment: creation or expansion of dedicated facilities, recruitment of specialized engineers, and partnerships to support design, testing, and on-track maintenance.
The move represents a shift from a customer-supplier dynamic to a self-sufficient engine program, with potential benefits in control and long-term competitiveness, but it also introduces significant technical, financial, and regulatory challenges.
Implications and uncertainties
Several factors could influence the timeline and execution of the 2026 engine plan, including regulatory approvals, the pace of development under cost controls, and the ability to secure reliable supply chains for a new, in-house power unit.
As with any major technical shift in Formula 1, the exact details may evolve in the coming months, but Red Bull has consistently framed 2026 as the target year to debut its own powertrain.
Summary
Red Bull is aiming to power its 2026 season with an in-house engine developed by Red Bull Powertrains, transitioning away from the current Honda RBPT supply that has underpinned the team in recent years. The path to 2026 involves continued Honda collaboration through the transition, substantial investment in human and physical resources, and strict alignment with future F1 power unit regulations. If successful, Red Bull would become a standalone engine manufacturer for its works team, a landmark shift in the sport’s engineering landscape.
