[Saba Sports News] As the 2026 season approaches, the new power unit regulations and car specifications are set to undergo their first real-world test. Max Verstappen, the leading driver for the Red Bull-Ford camp, shared his perspective ahead of the first round of preseason testing: under the new rules, no one knows who will truly be at the front, and it’s even uncertain whether the cars will complete the tests smoothly. However, Verstappen believes that in a year or two, Audi might surprise everyone.
The 2026 season will bring significant changes to the power unit landscape in F1. After saying goodbye to Renault, two new power unit suppliers have joined the paddock: Red Bull-Ford and Audi. Red Bull will use a self-developed power unit with technical support from Ford, replacing the previous Red Bull-Honda combination; Audi, on the other hand, has created a truly factory team by acquiring the Alfa Romeo team, with both the engine and car developed in-house.
Who can gain the upper hand in this new competition has become a focal point of interest. Reports indicate that the next-generation power units will still be based on a 1.6-liter V6 hybrid structure, but the output ratio between electric power and the internal combustion engine will rise to 50-50, while sustainable fuel will be used throughout. Additionally, a new overtake mode will become crucial in races, allowing the attacking driver to gain a stronger power output under specific conditions, which means that battles from the front to the back rows could become even more intense.