Red Bull and Audi might have one advantage over Mercedes ahead of 2026 F1 power unit change

It seems like a shame to look past the 2025 Formula 1 season which is currently set up to be one of the closest in living memory.

The 2025 F1 grid is set and eight drivers at the top four teams will all have aspirations to challenge Max Verstappen for the Drivers’ Championship.

McLaren will want to retain the Constructors’ Championship, but the likes of Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes will all feel they’re in with a chance of stealing their crown.

However, every manufacturer in the paddock – and even a couple not currently on the grid – will already have one eye on 2026.

F1’s 2026 regulations will see a dramatic change in the size of the cars, their weight limit and overall top speed.

However, it’s also expected that the team with the most powerful engine will be at the front of the pack at the beginning of this next era of F1.

Martin Brundle spoke to Sky Sports F1 last year and warned: “The problem we have for 2026 is that the motor loses the MGU-H from the turbocharger which was very handy at generating electrical energy, and the new cars will not have any battery regeneration from the front wheels.

“And so, especially on circuits which have lots of straights and few big braking zones, it will be hard to generate the required amounts of energy for the significantly bigger battery.

“How that impacts on pure racing remains to be seen, and for those celebrating the imminent demise of the DRS rear wings, be careful what you wish for.”

There are only set to be five different power unit suppliers on the grid next year: Mercedes, Ferrari, Honda, Audi and Red Bull Powertrains.

Mercedes are said to have the best 2026 engine right now according to various sources, but speaking on The Race F1 Podcast, journalist Jon Noble has explained why the newest suppliers might have an advantage.

Red Bull and Audi’s 2026 power unit advantage over Mercedes

Noble was asked about the expected impact of Red Bull taking over the development of their own engines and said: “It’s a tough one because F1’s a relative game and none of these engines are running on track against each other.

“The messaging so far is that Mercedes seem quite on top of things, they were on top of the previous regulation set, so that’s all good.

“Audi, you hear split opinions on the aspects. One, that they’ve got masses of technology and investment and are pushing on quite a lot. Another that they’re going to face the battle that Honda had, and that they’re well behind in their knowledge and understanding of hybrid engines and it’s going to be a struggle.

READ MORE: All you need to know about Red Bull Racing from engine to Ford links

“Ferrari, we’ve not heard very much about. Red Bull, the facility’s impressive, I’ve been to the factory a couple of times to see it, they’ve got a ton of Mercedes staff.

“I think they’ve got the brains to know what they need to do. I think one of the advantages Red Bull have got, and potentially Audi as well, is that they have built their facility around the restrictions of the regulations.

“So, there are a certain number of test bench facilities that you’re allowed, a certain amount of running you’re allowed, a certain number of staff investment you’re allowed.

“So, it’s custom-made for the 2026 regulations which could potentially give them a chance to catch up because it’s been built around what they’re allowed to do.”

Alpine the latest team to back Mercedes engines for the 2026 F1 season

Among all the various driver movements that took place last year, there were also negotiations between teams over which power unit to use from 2026 onwards.

Honda will become Aston Martin’s exclusive engine supplier, while Cadillac reached an agreement with Ferrari should their entry next season be confirmed.

The most interesting move was from Alpine, who decided to no longer use their Renault engines from 2026.

READ MORE: All you need to know about Mercedes F1 Team from team principal to lineage

Instead, the Enstone-based outfit decided to follow in the footsteps of McLaren and Williams to begin using Mercedes power units with the hope that they’ll be able to emulate Andrea Stella’s success leading a customer team to the top of the standings.

The hope is that the power unit won’t be too important in deciding the pecking order next season, otherwise the grid could easily be split into group that are impossible to move between.