Team Principal Christian Horner shared insights into the strides being made by the Red Bull Powertrains project, a venture born out of the team’s decision to take charge of their destiny amidst the upcoming 2026 engine regulation changes. Since bidding farewell to their partnership with Honda at the close of 2021, Red Bull has been diligently crafting their own power units.
“It’s busy, there’s 24 months before that engine will be being bolted into the back of the RB22,” Horner shared with Planet F1, offering a glimpse into the tight timeline that underscores the urgency of the project.
His confidence in the team’s capabilities was palpable, stating, “It’s not that long in the engine world so there’s still an awful lot more to do in a very short period of time. But I’m confident that we’ve got the right people, and we can get there.”
Photo credit: Red Bull Content Pool
Red Bull’s trajectory in this endeavor is notable, especially when compared to the revelations from Ferrari, who have reportedly already initiated the physical creation and firing up of their 2026 power unit.
Horner, however, maintained a level of discretion: “We’re on a trajectory.” This phrase, though withholding specifics, hints at a positive direction while acknowledging the formidable ground they need to cover, competing against manufacturers with decades of experience.
“But we’ve got a lot of ground to cover and a lot of ground to make up – we’re competing against manufacturers that have decades of experience. Red Bull, 30 months ago, this project was still embryonic. So what’s been achieved in 13 months has been outstanding.”
Photo credit: Red Bull Content Pool
The absence of a ‘Plan B’ is a testament to Red Bull’s unwavering commitment to their self-driven engine project. “Helmut’s absolutely right – we’ve made our commitment, we’ve made our strategic decision for the future, and we have to make it work,” Horner affirmed, underlining the gravity of their dedication.
The potential consequence of a less competitive engine raises questions, particularly concerning the expectations of star driver Max Verstappen. Addressing this, Horner expanded, “I don’t think it’s just about Max. We’re all very impatient in Formula 1.”
This collective impatience stems from the overarching desire for competitiveness in the sport. Horner added, “It’s a massive undertaking. It’s a ballsy undertaking that we’ve taken on, but we believe that it’s the right route for the company, for the future.”
