Horner Elaborates On 'Massive Challenge' Looming For Red Bull

Wednesday, 03 January 2024 at 10:00

Christian Horner discussed the biggest challenge his Red Bull Racing Formula One team would face in upcoming years.

There are currently 4 Power Unit Manufacturers on the F1 grid. These include Mercedes, Ferrari, Renault, and Honda. All ten teams have their PUs (power units) from one of the above.

Mercedes's PUs are used by Mercedes, McLaren, Aston Martin, and Williams. Ferrari's PUs are used by Ferrari, the Stake F1 team (formerly Alfa Romeo), and Haas . Renault's are used only by Alpine. And finally, Hondas are used by Red Bull and its sister team, AlphaTauri.

However, the situation is set to change in 2026 when Red Bull's collaboration with Honda ends. Red Bull decided to make a strategic decision to produce its own PUs from 2026 onwards.

It is a great risk for the team, whose owner company's expertise is in selling energy drinks. On the other hand, Christian Horner said he believes this bold move will pay off long term.

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The team from Milton Keynes did not want to rely on strategic alliances with brands like Honda, even though they had great success working together. Red Bull's team principal told racefans.net:

"It’s the biggest challenge that Red Bull has faced in designing and building its own engine. So that for us is huge."

In 2026, we will have two more power unit manufacturers on the grid. Red Bull Powertrains and Audi (which will take over the Sauber / Stake F1 team).

While Ford will aid Red Bull in developing its power units, the team principal is aware of how big of a challenge his team undertook. He added:

"Taking a start-up company and taking on the likes of Mercedes and Ferrari and Honda and Renault and Audi. With Ford’s support, it’s going to be a massive, massive challenge. And we don’t underestimate that. I both relish the chance and the opportunity."