Max Verstappen shared his first impressions of the sound of the new generation Formula 1 power plants created according to the 2026 technical regulations.

Next season, the championship will see the most comprehensive changes to engine architecture since the introduction of turbo-hybrid units in 2014. The regulations foresee the abandonment of the MGU-H system, as well as a significant increase in the role of the electrical component; The ratio between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor will be 50 to 50.

Even though there is just over a month until the cars hit the track, Verstappen was pleased to hear the new engine was running.

Verstappen said: “It sounds good. Of course you hear it in the stands, but the sound is clear and pleasant. I don’t think anyone has specifically worked on the noise but it’s really good.” he said.

For the first time in its history, the Red Bull team is building its own power plant, working in partnership with the American automobile giant Ford.

Verstappen wants to challenge for the Formula One title again in the 2026 season after his tense championship defeat to Lando Norris this month. However, the Dutch pilot plans to take a break from F1 before the new season starts.

“I’m really looking forward to it – I really need it. I also want to make sure that everything I do within the program next year will be well prepared, especially the GT3 project. That’s the most important thing for me at the moment, that everything is in the right state,” summarized the pilot.

Audi F1 chief Mattia Binotto shared his expectations for the German automobile manufacturer to participate in the championship for the first time, which is planned to be held in the 2026 season.

Audi completed the 100% acquisition of Sauber in 2024 and then began a large-scale personnel restructuring. In particular, former Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Whitley joined the team and took on the role of team leader. The goal of the project is to gradually turn into a contender for victories.

Binotto, who is responsible for the technical development of the bases in Hinwil and Neuburg an der Donau, urged not to expect overnight success.

“We need patience; we are still in the team building phase. I don’t expect at all that we will have a better engine next year. But this is not decisive because our main targets are set for 2030.”

“We do not plan to cause a sensation in 2026,” Binotto said.

The Italian pilot also emphasized that Audi is moving in the right direction and is gradually gaining confidence within the team.

“The dynamics have changed significantly. Employees see it well; we are expanding and investing in long-term projects. This increases the credibility of the enterprise.”

Audi is fully committed to Formula 1. “Current investments are an investment in the future and we will see the results of this in 3-4 years.”

Audi F1 chief Mattia Binotto shared his expectations for the German automobile manufacturer to participate in the championship for the first time, which is planned to be held in the 2026 season.

Audi completed the 100% acquisition of Sauber in 2024 and then began a large-scale personnel restructuring. In particular, former Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Whitley joined the team and took on the role of team leader. The goal of the project is to gradually turn into a contender for victories.

Binotto, who is responsible for the technical development of the bases in Hinwil and Neuburg an der Donau, urged not to expect overnight success.

“We need patience; we are still in the team building phase. I don’t expect at all that we will have a better engine next year. But this is not decisive because our main targets are set for 2030.”

“We do not plan to cause a sensation in 2026,” Binotto said.

The Italian pilot also emphasized that Audi is moving in the right direction and is gradually gaining confidence within the team.

“The dynamics have changed significantly. Employees see it well; we are expanding and investing in long-term projects. This increases the credibility of the enterprise.”

Audi is fully committed to Formula 1. “Current investments are an investment in the future and we will see the results of this in 3-4 years.”