Honda back in Red Bull's sights after rejecting Porsche share?

No deal with Porsche

Porsche and Red Bull Racing seemed predestined for each other. It is no secret that Max Verstappen is a big fan of the German brand, and the rumours of a possible deal between the two parties in 2026 seemed a logical next step for Red Bull. Red Bull now has their own engine factory in Milton Keynes, but the support of a partner such as Porsche would of course be a good move both technically and in terms of marketing.

It is clear that Porsche is interested in F1. Also during Audi's presentation, it became clear that two brands wanted to enter Formula 1 on behalf of the Volkswagen Group. Audi already announced itself as a new engine supplier for 2026, an announcement from Porsche seemed a matter of time.

That announcement has now been made by Porsche, but not the one many expected. Porsche and Red Bull will not work together from 2026 onwards, as Porsche did not get the desired say within Red Bull. It wanted to be not only engine partner, but also co-owner of the team. Red Bull did not go along with this and so Porsche is looking elsewhere.

Red Bull Powertrains

In that respect, Red Bull is in a much stronger position than years ago. Whereas Red Bull was always dependent on an engine supplier in previous years, it can now make their own choice. In Milton Keynes, a new engine factory has been built and a lot of staff has been brought in to shape the project.

Red Bull does not have to buy a separate engine anymore. Christian Horner's goal is to develop Red Bull's own engine by 2026. This would mean that for the first time the team would no longer be dependent on another party, where it currently relies on the engine built by Honda for the Austrians.

Return of Honda

Therein lies the potential twist. In the last weeks, there have been reports about a possible return of Honda. The Japanese manufacturer is said to regret its departure from F1 and is looking for a way to return. There was talk of a takeover of AlphaTauri, but now there seems to be an even easier solution.

From 2026 Honda and Red Bull could also work together again on the engine. Honda still owns the rights to the engine that Red Bull is using now, so in 2026 Red Bull cannot simply take it. If it enters into a new partnership with Honda, it will not have to build a completely new engine.

For Honda, the factory in Milton Keynes is also a godsend. Where from Japan there was sometimes miscommunication, Honda can now more easily produce the engine in Red Bull's factory. This means that it is already in England, closer to most races and above all next to the factory where the car is being developed.