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FIA confirms Red Bull has the best engine in Formula 1

The FIA maintains that Red Bull Racing has the best combustion engine, preventing upgrades for Verstappen's team.

26 August 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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FIA confirms Red Bull has the best engine in Formula 1 — Photo: lmankram7 · Flickr · BY

The International Automobile Federation (FIA) has confirmed that Red Bull Racing currently possesses the manufacturer with the best combustion engine in Formula 1. This assessment means that Max Verstappen's team, along with the sister team Racing Bulls, is temporarily prohibited from implementing any upgrades to their power units.

According to reports from De Telegraaf, Red Bull and Racing Bulls must adopt a wait-and-see approach, as other teams are free to make changes and improvements to their engines. This lack of upgrades could impact the competitive landscape within Formula 1.

NU.nl reports that the FIA's decision poses a setback for Verstappen, who has already been struggling this season. The halt on upgrades could make it more challenging for him to compete with other teams that can innovate in their power units.

Archive photo: FIA confirms Red Bull has the best engine in Formula 1 — Archive photoPhoto: lmankram7 · Flickr · BY

The FIA's choice to consider Red Bull Racing as the best contrasts with the situation of other teams. While Verstappen's team is stuck with the current specifications, competitors have the freedom to optimize their engines to meet the needs of their drivers.

According to NOS, this situation could significantly affect the battle for the championship title, as the lack of technological advancement for Red Bull may allow other teams to improve their performance, to the detriment of Verstappen and his chances in races.

The FIA has not provided any indication that this situation will change soon, meaning that Red Bull and Verstappen will need to adopt a waiting strategy while temporarily halting their development.

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