Mekies expects Red Bull have ‘mountain to climb’ with 2026 engine

Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies has openly acknowledged the colossal challenge facing Red Bull Powertrains as they prepare to produce their own engines for the 2026 Formula 1 season. Partnering with Ford, the team is set to develop power units for Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls, marking a significant departure from current supplier Honda. Mekies agreed with Mercedes' Toto Wolff's assessment, calling it "an Everest to climb" and an "unbelievable challenge." He emphasized that while Red Bull is embracing this ambitious project, they do not underestimate the difficulty of competing with established manufacturers, anticipating many "sleepless nights" but relishing what feels like a true Red Bull challenge.