Laurent Mekies expects Red Bull have ‘mountain to climb’ in developing 2026 power units

Laurent Mekies has conceded that Red Bull have a “mountain to climb” as they embark on the project of building their own power units from 2026 onwards, with the team boss anticipating a year with “a lot of sleepless nights” ahead.

Amid the introduction of new technical regulations next season, Red Bull Powertrains – in partnership with Ford – will develop the power units used by Red Bull Racing and sister outfit Racing Bulls.

This marks a switch from current supplier Honda, who will solely provide engines to Aston Martin as of 2026.

During the Italian Grand Prix weekend, Mekies – who became Team Principal and CEO at Red Bull in July – was quizzed on recent comments made by Mercedes’ Toto Wolff suggesting that the Milton Keynes-based outfit have “Mount Everest to climb” in building their own power units for the new regulations.

“I think Toto is right by saying it’s an Everest to climb – that’s what it is,” Mekies responded. “It’s as crazy as it gets to take the decision to do your own power unit, as Red Bull has done. It’s an unbelievable challenge to be associated with.

“It’s the sort of crazy stuff Red Bull does – so it’s a good feeling. But we don’t underestimate how crazy it is.

“These guys have been doing it for 90 years or something like that, so it would be silly from our side to think we’re going to come here and, right from the start, be at Ferrari’s or Mercedes’ level. That would be silly.”

Despite acknowledging the potential obstacles ahead, Mekies insisted that the challenge is one that Red Bull are relishing.

“It’s being set up the Red Bull way – at the maximum possible level,” he explained. “We take it step by step. We are trying to ramp up as quickly as possible – both the PU and the structure that goes around the PU: the people, the infrastructure.

“Then, as I said, we expect a year with a lot of hard work, a lot of sleepless nights next year to try to get to the right level. But it’s a challenge that very much feels like a Red Bull challenge, and we love that.

“We’re not going to put a number on where we think we’ll be – because I don’t think anybody has a number – but we know we’re starting with a mountain to climb, as Toto said.”