Racing Bulls Managing Director Peter Bayer explains the particular challenges posed by the new Formula 1 rules and how Mercedes has responded to them
According to Racing Bulls Managing Director Peter Bayer, the complexity of the new engine regulations in Formula 1 is particularly evident in the effort that manufacturers have put into preparing for the 2026 season. Mercedes in particular has gone to great lengths in this regard.
“For example, I heard that Mercedes called on its former Formula E team very, very early on and brought in people from that Formula E team, partly to familiarize the drivers with the whole energy management process in the simulator,” said Bayer in the Sky podcast “Backstage Boxengasse.”
For Bayer, this is a “sign” of how well prepared Mercedes is for the new Formula 1 era: “They have approached the subject with an incredible amount of ambition, know-how, and experience. And I would be surprised if Mercedes wasn’t very strong.”
According to Bayer, the years since 2014 have already shown that Mercedes has a firm grasp of hybrid technology – “when you consider how much experience and perfection Mercedes has demonstrated in the hybrid era.”
What Racing Bulls has learned from Mercedes
However, Bayer emphasized that he sees this primarily as an incentive for Racing Bulls: “It inspired me to encourage that on our side.” Bayer did not say anything more on the subject.
However, the team’s managing director hinted at a technical deficit with the Red Bull Ford powertrain, saying: “I personally believe that newcomers will, by definition, find it a little more difficult. But I also believe that we have a great team and that we will catch up as quickly as possible.”
Red Bull/Ford is the second manufacturer alongside Audi to use its own engines in Formula 1 for the first time in the 2026 season. Honda is also making a comeback as a powertrain supplier. However, Bayer said he could not comment on the balance of power before the start of Formula 1 winter testing: “That’s just speculation.”