Verstappen confident of Red Bull PU success after signing long-term deal

Max Verstappen has no concerns over Red Bull's foray into manufacturing powertrains after signing a long-term contract with the team.

Red Bull take over from Honda this season after the Japanese manufacturer pulled out of F1, with the Milton Keynes-based team adding a powertrains division to its campus to house the power unit IP.

Whilst Honda continues to assist in the background whilst Red Bull starts up, the team will make its own engines when new regulations are introduced mid-decade.

This poses a risk for Verstappen, who signed a deal through to 2028, because if Red Bull drops the ball when creating its power unit, the Dutchman could face two or three seasons with an uncompetitive package.

Asked if there were any commitments from the team that it would be competitive with plans still uncertain, the reigning world champion replied: "A bit like my previous deal, there was also a few unknown things.

"But I trust the team that everything will be fine because they have shown before that they can handle these situations really well."

Ferrari challenge "good for F1"

Verstappen and Red Bull head into the first race of the year in Bahrain off the back of the fastest lap time in testing but there is a general consensus that Ferrari will be challenging for pole and the race win.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has labelled the Scuderia as the "form team" and asked for his opinion on the Italian team, Verstappen said: "They look strong, very solid, just decent.

"They are quick, you see that in the long run, short run and I think that is good for Formula 1.

"We all know where they are coming from the last two years, so I hope we can match them or be close to them. We will find out in Q3."

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