Red Bull Racing signs new deal with Honda for the supply of old F1 engines

In Formula 1, unlimited testing with the current cars is not permitted. However, it has long been possible to conduct what’s known as a TPC (Testing of Previous Cars), using a car that is at least two years old. To carry out such a test, teams also need the engines from those specific years, as other power units generally do not fit the chassis.

Non-works teams lease engines from a supplier, as Red Bull and Racing Bulls did with Honda. This means the power units return to the manufacturer after a season. To use them again for a TPC, at least if the team is currently running different engines, a new agreement must be made.

Back in December, it emerged that Red Bull and Racing Bulls were in discussions with Honda about such a deal. No doubt the sticking point was how much the F1 teams would have to pay, since a manufacturer can charge whatever it wishes for this.

It took some time to finalize, but GPblog can report that there is now indeed an agreement. This means the older F1 models can be tested over the next two years. This year that means tests possible with cars from 2024 or earlier.

It won’t be until 2028 that Red Bull and Racing Bulls can conduct such a test with their own Red Bull Ford engines, which were introduced for the 2026 campaign.