Red Bull seeks second chance for power unit upgrade ahead of Italian GP
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 27, 2026, 11:54 AM
Last updated Aug 27, 2026
Red Bull Racing will have another opportunity to improve its power unit ahead of the Italian Grand Prix after a favorable review of its engine performance earlier this season. The FIA's Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities check initially deemed Red Bull's power unit superior to competitors, preventing further modifications. Following a contestation of this assessment, the FIA will conduct a second review before the upcoming race, potentially allowing Red Bull to enhance its performance. Current assessments place Red Bull as the third or fourth fastest on track, driving the need for upgrades to be race-competitive with Mercedes.
- •Red Bull was initially deemed to have the strongest power unit this season.
- •The FIA's review determined no additional development time was warranted.
- •Red Bull is pushing for an upgrade opportunity before the Italian Grand Prix.
- •Current assessments rank Red Bull as the third or fourth fastest car.
- •Improved performance is needed to compete against front-running Mercedes.
- 12:37 PMESPN F1 — Red Bull still has best engine, rivals get upgrades
- 7:00 AMYahoo Sports — Red Bull Gets Second Chance at Power Unit Upgrade
"Red Bull Powertrains will continue into the second half of the season as the only Formula 1 engine manufacturer that has not been granted an upgrade opportunity for its power unit.
"Red Bull has the fate of its engine hanging in the balance, at least when it comes to making improvements this season.
Sources
External links- ESPN F1Aug 27, 2026, 12:37 PMRed Bull still has best engine, rivals get upgrades
Red Bull Powertrains will continue into the second half of the season as the only Formula 1 engine manufacturer that has not been granted an upgrade opportunity for its power unit.
- Yahoo SportsAug 26, 2026, 7:00 AMRed Bull Gets Second Chance at Power Unit Upgrade
Red Bull has the fate of its engine hanging in the balance, at least when it comes to making improvements this season.
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