Red Bull had effectively generated enough of a gap to rivals at the start of the current regulation cycle to ensure they could comfortably win races by 20 seconds or more.
The start of 2024 looked like business as usual, however, the team had gambled on a car concept knowing they needed to evolve from the previous season but the RB20 proved to be a problem child for Max Verstappen.
It took the team several races and an 11-race win drought to eventually identify the problem, although there are still question marks over whether they will be the third-quickest car in 2025.
Discussing the challenges that Red Bull face over the next 12 months in an interview with PlanetF1.com, Christian Horner outlined the biggest challenges facing the team.
F1 teams are heading into a unique year which sees them develop two cars at the same time; the evolution of their 2024 challenger and a first draft of the 2026 chassis.
Red Bull is also working on their 2026 power unit in conjunction with Ford, which will be the first time they have not been a customer in its 18-year history. Horner believes it will take time before they can reach the same level as rivals.
“In four years, we built a factory and developed an engine, but we’re taking on 75 years of experience with Ferrari and 30 years with HPP [Mercedes High-Performance Powertrains], so we have no illusions,” said Horner.
“The mountain that we have to climb is immense, but, with the right spirit, and the right quality people that we have within the business, it will be achievable. It’s by far the biggest challenge that we’ve taken on in F1.”
All of the teams will be looking to gain an advantage heading into 2026, given the opportunity it presents to reset the competitive order.
At a recent F1 Commission meeting, which is where all 10 teams, FIA and Formula 1 Management come together to discuss regulations and technical matters, it was discussed over whether teams would be allowed to run their 2026 power units in a 2025 car.
Red Bull has been told that it can’t run their 2026 power unit ahead of testing for the season, with teams having to wait until a private collective test in January next year.
There are already rumours that Mercedes has the best engine heading into 2026, which will be great for customer teams McLaren, Williams and newly signed Alpine.
