Horner reinforces Red Bull's Ford partnership: 'We can't depend on external suppliers'
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I am a passionate and knowledgeable Formula 1 fan who has watched the sport since age five, watching every single race. Having karted competitively throughout my teens, I understand what it takes to be a racing driver, and every aspect of motorsports fascinates me. I am now studying sports journalism at the University of Gloucestershire with the hopes of one day landing a dream role in motorsport. As well as English, I speak Spanish fluently after living there for some time when I was younger.
Red Bull Racing is gearing up for an exciting new chapter in 2026, as the team will introduce its own self-developed and built power units in collaboration with Ford. Team principal Christian Horner shared with Formula 1 Magazine that he is looking forward to the new adventure despite the large risk that the move comes with.
When Honda announced a few years ago that it would leave Formula 1 — a decision it later reversed — Red Bull made a bold move. Instead of turning to another external supplier, the team founded Red Bull Powertrains, aiming to develop and build its own engines for 2026 and beyond, surprising many in the paddock.
Of course, the decision to create their own engines comes with a large risk. It will now be totally their responsibility to continue the upward development of their own power units. "As Dietrich always said: No risk, no fun. Given the size of our team and how competitive we are... We cannot be dependent on external suppliers who may withdraw or change their mind at any moment."
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Red Bull takes future fate into its own hands
Horner emphasizes once again that Red Bull wanted to take control of its own future, rather than depend on the decisions of external partners. "The shareholders have supported us tremendously, evidenced by the investment made in building a state-of-the-art facility. This allows us to have everything on one site."
According to Horner, the only other team to have all of its facilities in one place is Ferrari, which he believes gives them a unique advantage in terms of efficiency and integration.
"It's an exciting project, not without its risks or challenges. But that is also something Red Bull has never been afraid of," concludes the Brit.
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This article was written in collaboration with Ludo van Denderen
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