Isack Hadjar, driver of Red Bull Racing, has shared his surprising reaction after completing his first lap with the new engine from the brand during a training session in Barcelona. At first, the young driver thought the 2026 season would be ‘very long’, but he quickly changed his mind, being impressed with the performance of the engine developed by Red Bull Ford Powertrains.
This engine represents a turning point for the team, as the victory in Malaysia not only marked their first triumph of the season but also symbolized the first win with their own power unit. Iconic figures like Christian Horner and Helmut Marko have been fundamental to this success, Horner highlights, recalling that just five years ago, the Powertrains project was merely a ‘hole in the ground’.
According to ratings from the FIA, the Red Bull engine has been classified as the best in the championship. Despite this success, the team finds itself in a peculiar situation, as it is the only manufacturer without a development token, limiting its future options. However, improvements in software and energy management have been made race after race, with positive results seen during the races in Baku and Malaysia.
Hadjar recalled his first flight with optimism, noting that his initial impression was one of concern. ‘I remember the first lap I did with the engine in Barcelona. I thought it would be a long season, but soon I realized the potential we had’, he said. This comment highlights the enormous progress the team has made in such a short time, with the construction of modern facilities and the incorporation of a team of talents from Mercedes.
Finally, Hadjar expressed his satisfaction with the advances made, stating that he is very pleased with the work of his teammates, although as a driver, his influence on the development of the engine is limited compared to that of the chassis. ‘I like knowing that I depend on a great team that is doing excellent work’, he concluded.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
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