Red Bull will not have the status of a new engine supplier in 2026
This is the outcome of a real strategic match, Red Bull will not obtain the status of new engine supplier for 2026.
Red Bull, who will partner with Ford in light of the new engine regulations, requested to be given rookie status. Ferrari, supported by Mercedes, Renault, and Audi, strongly opposed this and won the case.
The Scuderia would have thus refused to sign the new engine regulations unless Red Bull was stripped of its newcomer status. According to the Italian media, La Gazetta Dello Sport, this contributed to the FIA changing its mind.
These stables believe that Red Bull already has sufficient knowledge in terms of engines thanks to its new department Red Bull Powertrains in partnership with Honda, which puts it on the same level as Ferrari and Mercedes. With this status, Red Bull would have benefited from more resources and testing hours advantages, but it will not be the case.
On his part, Ford could have easily obtained the special status if he had entered the competition alone, but his association with Red Bull will deprive him of that.
