Red Bull's technical director on power unit progress

The technical director of Red Bull Racing, Pierre Waché, believes the team's power unit, developed with Ford, still has room for improvement. He highlights that while the engine is not yet at its full potential, the team is working to maximize its performance.

Challenges of engine and chassis integration

Waché acknowledges that integrating the power unit with the chassis is a major challenge. He explains that the collaboration between different departments is complex, as the working methods for engine and chassis development differ significantly.

Red Bull's shift to in-house power unit development

Red Bull is entering a new phase with its own power unit set to debut in 2026. Previously reliant on external suppliers, the team now works with Ford to develop and integrate its engine, requiring a substantial change in its operations and strategies.

Development timelines and working methods

Waché notes that the production timelines for a chassis are much shorter than those for an engine. This difference affects how the team approaches development, as it now manages its own engine production instead of acting as a customer to engine manufacturers.

Potential for better performance

Despite the challenges, Waché believes Red Bull's new approach offers significant opportunities. By controlling more aspects of its car, the team can explore development possibilities that were previously out of reach, potentially leading to improved results.

Max Verstappen's role in technical progress

Waché praises Max Verstappen for his ability to understand his car's behavior and communicate effectively with engineers. He considers Verstappen the best driver in Formula 1 history, emphasizing his unique ability to identify what is needed to improve performance.

Verstappen's exceptional car feel and communication

According to Waché, Verstappen can quickly analyze the limits of his car and translate his needs into precise feedback for engineers. This skill, Waché says, is unmatched by any other driver he has encountered, making Verstappen an invaluable asset to the team's development process.

Red Bull's future outlook

With a power unit still improving and a driver capable of guiding technical progress, Red Bull sees strong potential for continued growth. However, the team must now translate this potential into consistent performance, as competition in Formula 1 remains intense.