Red Bull
The champions take their boldest gamble yet: building their own engine with Ford.
Red Bull dominated the closing years of the last regulations, but 2026 asks the biggest question in its history: can a team that has never built its own power unit produce a competitive one at the first attempt? Partnering with Ford, Red Bull Powertrains steps up from chassis specialist to full manufacturer — a leap that could define the team's next decade in either direction.
Max Verstappen remains the sport's ultimate benchmark, and if the new engine is on the pace he is the clear title favourite. Alongside him, the promotion of Isack Hadjar into the notoriously difficult second seat is a statement of faith in Red Bull's junior programme. Everything hinges on the power unit.