Verstappen admits: '2026 rules a big question mark for Red Bull'

Currently, Formula 1 is extremely competitive. Red Bull Racing are no longer dominating the field like in 2023, when they won all but one Grand Prix. The team took full advantage by cleverly anticipating the 2022 rule changes, led by Adrian Newey's technical team. In 2026, however, the regulations will be shaken up again: this time power units will take centre stage.

After saying goodbye to Honda, which will join forces with Aston Martin from 2026, it will be up to Red Bull Powertrains and Ford to come up with a competitive power unit of their own. Whether the Austrian F1 team will be as competitive then as it is now is also a big question mark for Verstappen.

Verstappen on new 2026 F1 rules

The Dutchman does not yet know exactly where he stands in his opinion on the new regulations. That things will be different is obvious. He also expects that the cars might be a bit slower in some places in terms of lap times, but he immediately makes a comment on that. "When new rules come in, it is always difficult to predict whether the impact will be positive or negative," he told Formula.hu.

"Personally, I prefer to take a neutral position and say: let's wait and see what happens. That's how I was with the current rules, waiting and seeing: will this be good, or will this be bad? Fortunately for me it worked out very well, because the team became competitive, but with new rules you really never know," stressed the three-time world champion.

Verstappen not making impulsive decision on F1 future

Verstappen is realistic about Red Bull's own project but makes it clear that it is far too early to draw conclusions about his future with the team. "I think the most important thing is not to make decisions based on emotions, you can regret that. I'm a patient person myself, I don't worry too much about things," he continued.

"Of course it means a lot and I appreciate the fact that I have a very long history with the team. Loyalty is very important and I think it is not always there in F1. Fortunately, in my case it is there and I think it is mutual with us. Important people stay with the team and now we have our own engine project."

Verstappen realistic about Red Bull engine project for 2026

How Red Bull will fare with their own power unit in 2026 is also still a big question mark for Verstappen. "I have a lot of confidence in it, but we have to be realistic. We are up against people who have been making engines for more than a hundred years. They have a lot of experience, but of course we have also contracted a lot of people," he explained.

As with his opinion on the new rules, Verstappen also tries to be neutral in it. "I don't want to be too positive or too negative. I remain neutral. You have to be patient. Many things have to stay in place or fall into place and I also have to think about the future, what will happen after 2026. So I am patient," Verstappen concludes.