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https://www.planetf1.com/news/martin-br ... Wokn2drhMa“I think it might be the power unit that bothers Max in terms of the unknown,” he told Sky Sports. “But I’ve been around the Red Bull Powertrain. Oh, my goodness, what an impressive setup that is.
Quote that wasn't included in the tweet: (basically repeat of previous statements) (12th may 2024)
"As with any program, you set certain goals and milestones," Rushbrook told the Dutch edition of Motorsport.com.
"At the moment we are achieving all our own goals and achieving the desired milestones, I can only say that we have set our own goals for the power unit based on experience and what we think is necessary to be successful in 2026.
"We have no idea where the competition stands and what their development curve is, we simply do not have a direct comparison with our opponents, but if we look at what we think we need have to be successful, then we are in good shape."
Previously they might have done some manufacturing and/or assembly in the existing facilities at either the Red Bull Racing or Red Bull Technology buildings, or even at Ford.After that it is time to head over to the Red Bull Powertrains facility, where Christian Horner and Ford Motorsports chief Mark Rushbrook explain that work on the building started early 2022.
Work on the ICE section (internal combustion engine) began first, followed by the ERS department early this year, dealing with the electrical components of the engine that will become even more important under the 2026 regulations.
"The partnership is actually getting stronger every day, from the first discussions and the moment the contract was signed, although the work had already started before that," Rushbrook told the Dutch branch of Motorsport.com.
"We are contributing in a number of ways. In general, we are on track with our timeline for the ICE [internal combustion engine] and the electrical components.
"There is obviously still a lot of work to do and a lot to prove in terms of durability, but the partnership - the openness, the trust and the contribution from both sides - has been excellent so far. It's everything we hoped for and actually more than we expected."
The original remit of the partnership was for Ford to handle power unit electronics for the team, but the scope has broadened, including to the producing of the ICE.
Now, Red Bull is utilising even more expertise and resources at Ford's disposal. "Initially the focus was on electrification," Rushbrook explained. "But with our advanced manufacturing facility and our [3D] printing machines, we can make things in real time.
"We are literally making things every day that come out of Dearborn, are shipped and are tested in the lab in Milton Keynes."
Lots of questions around the RBPT and the future competitiveness of the team starting in 2026. After I posted about what I was hearing around the PU's for 2026, I was approached by a few new sources. It took some time for me to validate the information via double sourcing, but I've got it now. Here is what I have heard about RBPT.
At the beginning of the project, RBPT set for themselves key PU performance targets. I am told they have HIT those targets and are on track performance wise. No concerns about performance from the PU.
The 2026 PU has a more complicated Energy Recovery and Deployment system with the 50/50 split. I am told that the bigger concern with RBPT is in the reliability of this recovery and deployment system.
I have since heard that RBPT is NOT the only one who is struggling with reliability of the energy recovery and deployment systems. Other teams are also having issues as well.
RBPT is slow in building up their engine pool due to the reliability questions. This may be a concern heading into the 2026 season.
The relationship between FORD and Red Bull Racing is proving very valuable. A lot of knowledge and information is being shared to make for a strong final product. The feelings are good within the team.
No concerns performance wise. The concerns I am hearing about are with reliability. But they think they will solve this as well.