Horner explains why Red Bull has been working with other engine suppliers for many years, now is the right time for Red Bull to start building its own power unit.
Before using Honda power unit, Red Bull had been using Renault power unit for many years. The cooperation between the two parties won the double championship for four consecutive years between 2010-13. However, the weakness of Renault Power Unit in the hybrid era made Red Bull unsatisfied, and the two sides finally ended their cooperation in 2018.
Horner was asked why Red Bull did not consider building its own power unit back then. Horner said: "I think it would be an unimaginable project considering the investment and advanced technology at that time. We may not be mature enough as an organization to undertake this task, and now we are in a more mature stage."
" Fixed before the end of 2025 The power unit specifications (i.e., freezing engine R&D) allow us to build Red Bull power units during this time to enter the arena in 2026. "
" of course there is also a budget ceiling, which is an absolute key factor in becoming a power unit manufacturer, otherwise we will never be able to compete with manufacturers with unlimited R&D budgets."
" As I have always said, Red Bull chose 18 months ago Choose to be a power unit manufacturer. "
" During this time, we recruited some of the best talents in F1, and now Red Bull Powertrain has more than 300 people. We built a factory, the most advanced setup, and built an engine in 55 weeks, which was the first Red Bull engine ever."
"Of course we've been on this journey and we've also had some discussions with Porsche , but we feel that this collaboration isn't exactly suitable for our goals and ongoing journey. Nothing has changed for us. As we become a power unit manufacturer, this will be an exciting new chapter for Red Bull." Pierre, Technical Director of Red Bull Wache said the team faces a "huge challenge" because they will face veteran power unit manufacturers Ferrari , Mercedes , and Renault.
In addition to Red Bull, with the introduction of new regulations in 2026, Audi will also join the sport as a power unit supplier.
