Mercedes and Ferrari are concerned about Red Bull finding a way to work around a new Formula 1 engine cost cap when it comes into force in 2026. The details are yet to be finalised, but as new technical regulations come into force it is expected that new engine manufacturers will be allowed to spend extra cash.
Red Bull Powertrains is one of these 'new' manufacturers which is expected to qualify for concessions. Within the next few weeks the team is expected to move its staff into a brand new purpose-built facility in Milton Keynes as the team switches to creating its own engines for the first time.
In June, the first draft of the 2026 regulations is expected to be finalised – but there is a guiding framework already in place. Under current plans, new manufacturers like Red Bull Powertrains and any other who join the sport would be entitled to an extra $10m in their budget cap for the first two seasons, and $5m in the third.
In addition, a further $15m allowance would be made for capital expenditure projects. Red Bull chief Christian Horner is happy with the first two figures, but believes the extra allowance should be bigger as new projects will be playing catch-up with their more established engine-making rivals.
"I think the framework that actually exists within the power unit regulations is reasonable from a newcomer status perspective, which obviously Red Bull Powertrains will be for 2026," he said. "It's modest hours, and it's a modest I think $10m in the first two years and $5m in the third year as an allowance for a newcomer.
Presenter: Daniel Moxon (Daily and Sunday Epress, UK).
Image: Sky Sports.
Broadcast: FM.