The ground-effect regulations are in their last hour as the 2026 regulatory overhaul approaches. Red Bull was the one team that could extract maximum output from this regulation. What the turbo-hybrid era was for Mercedes, the ground effect was for the Bulls. With sheer domination, the Milton Keynes-based outfit was nearly unbeatable.
However, the dream run is over, and teams like McLaren and Ferrari have finally cracked the code. As a result, RBR is on the verge of losing its world title to the Papaya squad. However, with just six rounds to go, the teams have already set their sights on the next season, and Red Bull is no different. In the final season of ground effect, teams are unlikely to put effort into overhauling the car.
RB21 Set To Be An ‘Evolution’ With No ‘Radical Change’ In Sight
After two years of domination, McLaren halted Red Bull’s winning run. This has made the Bulls desperate for a win, as they’re working on a mega upgrade for the Austin GP. However, the team has its sights set on the next season, which could allow them to regain momentum. On the other hand, the squad won’t be overhauling the RB20, as only limited changes would be made. The RBR chief Christian Horner highlighted the cost cap and the upcoming regulatory reset as the reasons behind this approach. During his recent interaction with AutoSport, Horner explained the need to advance in the ever-changing F1 world.
He highlighted the importance of taking one step at a time, as dwelling too far in the future is futile. The long-term planning in Formula One only extends upto two and a half months. Therefore, the team will implement this year’s learning in the upcoming project, making it an evolution of RB20. Moroever, the Briton revealed the current car was fitted with last year’s components as a radical change doesn’t make sense until it offers a significant performance boost. While the Austrian squad is focusing on the Power Unit regulations 2026, they are still working to reclaim the on-track domination. Further, the McLaren squad would pose the biggest challenge for the Bulls in the upcoming season. The Woking squad has solved the aero puzzle of ground effect and would be the front runner.
Red Bull’s Plan For 2026 Power Unit Production
Red Bull and Ford are working in tandem on the 2026 engine production. The in-manufacturing will decide RBR’s faith in the upgraded season. Horner also acknowledged the obstacles amid PU production but remains confident.
The British executive dubs it the ‘biggest challenge’ for the team, as it has been a long process. The process has been exhausting, from launching a new venture to hiring new people and ultimately putting all the pieces together. However, Horner is confident in the team and the partner Ford, who are giving their all to deliver the engines for the two teams in 2026.
