Max Verstappen, the renowned Dutch driver and four-time world champion, recently commented on the highly anticipated Max Verstappen Red Bull engine that will debut in the 2026 Formula 1 season. Speaking on the Talking Bulls podcast, Verstappen shared a brief, humorous observation, offering just a hint about Red Bull’s first-ever power unit built in partnership with Ford, saying it “makes a noise” when asked about its sound. This understated remark comes as Red Bull Powertrains and Ford collaborate on a new engine, marking a significant technological leap for the team.
The anticipation for Red Bull’s 2026 power unit has intensified even before its official unveiling. The engine, a result of Red Bull’s technical collaboration with Ford, is set to usher in a new era for the team as the sport transitions to updated power unit regulations. Despite the engine still being in development, industry buzz has surfaced following speculation that Red Bull and Mercedes may have found a way to maximize benefits within the new technical framework. This prompted competitors like Ferrari, Audi, and Honda to approach the FIA for rule clarification, further emphasizing the keen scrutiny around the debut project.
Red Bull Fights Back in Tumultuous 2025 Season
Max Verstappen’s optimism for the future comes on the heels of a fiercely contested 2025 F1 season. Verstappen made headlines with an extraordinary comeback, shrinking a massive 104-point gap in the second half of the year. His relentless pursuit nearly closed the championship margin to just two points in the season finale at Abu Dhabi, though Lando Norris ultimately edged out Verstappen to claim his first world title with a third-place finish in the Emirati capital.
Despite missing out on the championship, Verstappen’s focus has shifted squarely onto 2026, where he will be among the first to compete with the new Max Verstappen Red Bull engine. Red Bull’s turnaround in the final ten races, which included six victories and consistent podium finishes, underlined both the team’s resilience and Verstappen’s unwavering competitive spirit.
Drivers React to the New Power Unit’s Performance
On the podcast hosted by Nicola Hume, Verstappen discussed his first impressions of the Max Verstappen Red Bull engine, which he heard being tested. Verstappen gave fans a glimpse into the excitement surrounding the fresh power unit but kept details limited. When asked about the sound of the engine, Verstappen joked:
“Hmm, it makes a noise.”
He continued with a more technical reaction, offering genuine enthusiasm while noting the difference from past F1 engines:
“I mean, it sounded good. Of course you hear it on a dyno, but it sounded like, crisp. I’m not sure they develop on the noise but it made a good noise. I mean it’s not a V10.”
These remarks reflect Verstappen’s tendency to balance humor with insight as he navigates questions that probe into the team’s technological advancements.
Max Verstappen Thanks Fans for Support
After the hardships of the 2025 season, Verstappen spoke candidly about the importance of teamwork and fan support throughout the year. On the podcast, he extended his gratitude directly to supporters:
“Thank you very much for sticking with us even in a very tough season, especially in the beginning. But at the same time, we are a team that never gives up, and I’m very proud of how we here at the factory, and our fans, of course, as well, kept it together.
“And at the end of the day we celebrated, again, some very beautiful moments. So thank you very much for that. See you next year.”
These reflections highlighted the close-knit nature of Red Bull’s community, both among factory members and fans alike. Verstappen’s words offer reassurance that, despite setbacks, the team remains determined and hopeful looking ahead.
With new technical rules, heightened scrutiny of Red Bull Ford’s power unit, and Verstappen’s leadership, the 2026 season is set to be a pivotal moment for both the team and Formula 1. Whether the Max Verstappen Red Bull engine lives up to the hype will be closely watched by rivals and fans as the sport moves into another exciting phase.
