Red Bull Powertrains Welcomes Verstappen,Mekies and Marko

Next season, both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls will compete with power units developed in partnership with Ford,marking the beginning of a new technical chapter for the two teams. Preparations for this ambitious project are progressing rapidly, and on Thursday the senior management of Red Bull Racing paid a visit to the engine division in Milton Keynes.

The delegation featured Team Principal Laurent Mekies, long-time advisor Helmut Marko, and three-time world champion Max Verstappen. They were welcomed by Red Bull Powertrains Technical Director Ben Hodgkinson, who personally guided Verstappen through the state-of-the-art facility. According to the team, the driver’s presence was intended not only to underline the importance of the project but also to inspire and encourage the engineers and staff working tirelessly on the new power unit.

For much of the past year, there had been speculation that Red Bull’s engine project might struggle to match the output of rival manufacturers. However, such concerns have eased in recent months as development milestones have been achieved. Still, insiders note that the first real indication of competitiveness will not come until the power unit undergoes its initial track tests in January 2026.

In addition to his tour of the Powertrains division, Verstappen also visited the team’s main base. There, he held a meeting with staff, reflected on the outcome of the Italian Grand Prix, and shared his outlook for the remainder of the season. His appearance was seen as a valuable moment of connection between the driver and the wider team, reinforcing Red Bull’s collective focus on both present goals and future challenges.