'Red Bull and Ford take risk with new engine factory in 2026'

Christian Horner knows that setting up his own engine factory is a gamble. Red Bull Powertrains, together with Ford, must be competitive by 2026. The Red Bull Racing team boss knows what kind of pressure is on his shoulders.

Since its inception in 2005, Red Bull has always depended on an engine supplier. Unlike big car brands like Ferrari, Mercedes and Renault, Red Bull never built the engine itself. That is about to change in 2026 when Red Bull comes up with its own Red Bull Powertrain, helped on the technical front by US giant Ford.

Why Red Bull Powertrains is a risk for Horner

''We've invested in the UK along with our partners, together with Ford, to have the engine facility on campus. Now we've got a factory, state-of-the-art facilities and close to 500 people working on the 2026 engine,'' the team principal of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez told Sky Sports.

''But going from nothing to taking on Mercedes, Ferrari, Honda, Renault and Audi, we're looking forward to it but it's a bold move, even though it's one we think will pay off in the long term.''

Red Bull was somewhat forced to design its own engines after Honda pulled the plug on the partnership. Honda does return to F1 in 2026, but will then partner with Aston Martin. With the new engine regulations in 2026, there will be six engine manufacturers at the start of the F1 season.