Horner declares choice of Ford and wishes Honda all the best for 2026
"It is a completely different partnership from the one we discussed with Porsche," Horner began, referring to why Ford was eventually chosen.
"This is purely a commercial and technical deal, so there is no cooperation or integration in terms of the business side. It is a deal where we have the opportunity to share knowledge with each other especially on the electronic, software and development aspects. And on the commercial side, with Ford, a partner that has a big share in the US, we can reach that market more easily."
While Ford already announced its intention to stop competing in Formula 1 in 2020, the Japanese carmaker did sign up for the bid for engine partners from 2026. Horner says his team has had "a great partnership with Honda": "When they had told us they no longer wanted to be present in the Formula world, it was with great sadness that we had to set up the Red Bull Powertrain division (RBPT) to take over everything."
"When we had started that journey, fortunately Honda changed plans slightly, so they are supplying us with engines until the end of 2025. Meanwhile, we can prepare for 2026. We have a great working relationship. It is a great company and with the current regulations, we will continue to push with Honda until the last race of the 2025 season."
According to Horner, Red Bull's engine division, meanwhile, is already busy preparing for 2026. Ford engineers will become part of the development process, meaning the official power units will go through life as Red Bull-Ford from that year onwards.
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