Isack Hadjar Expresses Doubts About Red Bull PU Ahead of F1 2026 Testing

Isack Hadjar has shared his reservations regarding the Red Bull Powertrains (PU) engine ahead of the F1 2026 pre-season testing. His concerns stem from the team’s transition to in-house engine production in collaboration with Ford. This marks a significant shift for Red Bull, as it develops its own engines for the first time in Formula 1.

Concerns Over Red Bull Powertrains Development

Throughout the previous season, speculation arose about Red Bull’s progress in engine development. In July 2025, former team principal Christian Horner remarked on the potential embarrassment for established manufacturers if Red Bull’s new power unit performed better than theirs. His successor, Laurent Mekies, echoed these sentiments, cautioning that expectations should be tempered regarding competition with giants like Mercedes and Ferrari from the start.

Positive Outcomes from Bahrain Testing

Contrary to initial doubts, the Red Bull Powertrains engine emerged as a standout performer during pre-season testing in Bahrain. Notably, Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal, acknowledged that the Red Bull car was significantly faster on straights, clocking a second per lap advantage. Williams driver Carlos Sainz supported this observation, stating that Red Bull’s engine was clearly superior during the early testing phases.

Hadjar’s Impressions Following Testing

Joining Red Bull Racing after a successful 2025 season, Hadjar found the performance of the RBPT engine to surpass his expectations. Reflecting on the uncertainty felt at the end of the last season, he noted, “Many, many doubts” had been resolved quickly in Barcelona’s shakedown. Hadjar completed an impressive 110 laps on the first day, which transformed his outlook on the engine’s reliability and performance.

Lap Comparisons from Bahrain Testing

Despite initial hesitations, Red Bull showed commendable results at the testing session, although they completed the third-fewest laps of the six-day event:

Hadjar acknowledged that while he still anticipates potential issues throughout the season, his earlier anxieties about the engine’s durability have lessened significantly. He expressed optimism about the team’s preparations as they approach the new season, highlighting a marked improvement from what he initially believed.