Ben Hodgkinson, the mastermind behind Red Bull’s powertrains, is choosing to focus on the power of belief rather than high expectations following the team’s historic maiden victory as a Formula One engine manufacturer. The breakthrough came at last weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, where Max Verstappen secured a dominant win from pole position, complete with the fastest lap. This victory, arriving in the 16th race of the new 2026 regulations, silenced skeptics who doubted that a beverage company could successfully compete against established automotive giants like Mercedes and Ferrari. I think expectation is a dangerous word for any engineer in Formula One. There’s been lots of moments along the way where things didn’t feel like they were going very well.
The victory at Sepang was particularly significant as it marked the first 2026 pole position claimed by a car not running a Mercedes power unit. Despite the magnitude of the achievement, Hodgkinson remains grounded. Speaking ahead of Verstappen’s 250th career start at the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix, he noted that the team has only captured one win out of 16 races this season. He warned that framing success through expectations can be dangerous, as it often leads to complacency regarding the competition. Sepang was also the first pole of 2026 by a car not powered by a Mercedes engine but Hodgkinson remained wary of too much hype when asked about expectations. As soon as you start underestimating the competition is when you start losing. According to and to finally pull it all together to get that win was a very special moment indeed,”, Hodgkinson, speaking from his office at the Milton Keynes factory.
Building an engine program from the ground up proved to be a formidable challenge for the team, which previously relied on outside suppliers for their championships. Hodgkinson admitted that there were numerous difficult phases where the project’s progress felt uncertain. The team faced doubt from competitors, media members, and even their own extended organization, as many viewed the venture as an extreme gamble. However, the unique Red Bull culture—a willingness to pursue bold, audacious projects—ultimately fostered a collective mindset that helped them prove their critics wrong. Members of the press, probably even members of our own family thought that we’re taking on something pretty extreme, so many people didn’t think that we would be in this position — other teams.
Red Bull’s internal infrastructure stands out in the paddock as the only British-based team with chassis and power unit production housed at the same facility, unlike Mercedes, which splits operations between Brackley and Brixworth. Ford’s partnership has also been crucial, providing invaluable support in manufacturing, personnel, and facilities. While many rivals, including newcomers Audi and returning manufacturer Honda, are still struggling to develop a competitive package, Red Bull has managed to set a high standard, with the FIA officially designating their engine as a performance benchmark.
The 2026 power unit architecture currently features a 53-47 split between internal combustion and electric energy, a balance expected to lean further toward combustion in coming years. For Hodgkinson, the obsession with labeling one engine as the ‘best’ is a secondary concern compared to overall vehicle pace. He emphasized that the team prioritizes total on-track performance, even when individual engine design choices might necessitate minor sacrifices in raw power to enhance the car’s overall speed.
Reflecting on the journey from a construction site to a race-winning reality, Hodgkinson is immensely proud of the team’s accomplishments. He keeps a mug on his desk emblazoned with the phrase ‘Red Bull best with ice,’ a playful nod to both the energy drink and the internal combustion engines that have propelled the team into a new era of engineering success. Having been told by industry figures just last month that a win was unlikely this season, Hodgkinson views such skepticism as essential fuel for the team’s ongoing development. The journey from building site to racetrack reality has not been easy for former champions who dominated in previous eras with engines provided by others.
