Ben Hodgkinson, director of Red Bull Ford Powertrains, predicts that while the internal combustion engine may drive differences in the new 2026 power units, aerodynamics pose a greater risk of dominance similar to Mercedes in 2014. Speaking ahead of Formula 1's regulatory overhaul, he emphasized the similarities in engine designs and the accessibility for newcomers like Audi. The FIA also anticipates engine performance to shape the grid order, though convergence is expected over time.
As Formula 1 approaches its 2026 regulations, which introduce sustainable fuels, remove the MGU-H, and limit compression ratios, the focus is on what will separate the teams. FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis has indicated that the internal combustion engine (ICE) will largely dictate the pecking order. Ben Hodgkinson, formerly of Mercedes and now leading Red Bull Ford Powertrains, partially agrees but cautions against overlooking aerodynamics.
In an interview, Hodgkinson noted that within power units, the ICE could be the key differentiator, especially with electrical systems reaching near 99% efficiency. "I think the biggest differences are probably going to be on the ICE side, and that does work with your fuel partner a lot as well," he said. "So in our case, ExxonMobil has been really vital in trying to get as much performance as we can out of the ICE."
However, he does not foresee a repeat of 2014, when Mercedes' power unit superiority locked in years of dominance. "I think the differences between the power units are going to be less than we've seen in 2014, because the power unit or the ICE in particular is very, very similar," Hodgkinson explained. The V6 configuration remains fundamentally the same, with tweaks like lower compression ratios and boost limits making development more accessible, particularly for entrants like Audi.
"It's still a V6, and it's still fundamentally the same. All the lowering of things like compression ratio and boost limits have actually made the loads a bit less, so the stress the parts have to go through is a little easier," he added. Despite Red Bull's newcomer status, much of the staff brings extensive F1 experience.
Hodgkinson pointed to aerodynamics as the bigger uncertainty: "It'll be interesting to see where all the other teams are, but I guess there's a bigger risk on the aero side." The FIA expects initial differences in aero but predicts convergence, similar to 2022's ground-effect era. Laughing off his non-expertise in the area, Hodgkinson said, "But it's a complete reset with the whole car, it's not just a reset for the power units. So yeah, there should be differences, and we'll see what they are."
These insights came during Red Bull's refreshed 2026 livery reveal in Detroit, underscoring the team's preparations for the new era.
