Horner backs Marko's words: 'Red Bull wants to build its own engine'

The deal between Red Bull Racing and Porsche already seemed shaky, but after the statements of Helmut Marko the cooperation seems off the table completely. Christian Horner seems to reinforce the words of his colleague while stressing that Red Bull still intends to become an engine manufacturer itself.

Red Bull wants to become engine manufacturer

Horner has already expressed concerns about the possible deal between Red Bull and Porsche, because the German manufacturer wants to become a fifty per cent shareholder. Horner fears that Red Bull will lose its own identity as a result. Furthermore, the ties with Honda have intensified as the Japanese engine manufacturer has stated in black and white that it will continue to work with Red Bull until 2026.

Honda has also indicated that it is considering a return to Formula 1 upon the introduction of the new engine regulations in 2026, so Red Bull has alternatives. However, the preference remains to build its own engine under the name Red Bull Powertrains, for which everything is already in place.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Horner says that a collaboration with an engine manufacturer is still a possibility, but that the preference is for an independently built engine. "Red Bull said that we will be engine manufacturers ourselves from 2026. There were discussions with Porsche. We are very committed to building an engine. This is supposed to be the first Red Bull engine ever," said the Briton. "This is a new chapter - whether or not we take a partner out of the power train business is a matter of debate. Nothing is fixed yet and it is not dependent on participation."