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Horner: With a partner like Ford our path different from Honda

Jad Mallak

Horner: With a partner like Ford our path different from HondaChristian Horner explained that Red Bull’s agreement with Ford for 2026 onwards, means the team and Honda’s path will diverge from there on.

Red Bull and Honda joined forces with Honda in 2019, their collaboration producing a Formula 1 Drivers’ Title for Max Verstappen in 2021.

For 2022 Honda took a step back with Red Bull running the Japanese manufacturer’s power units under the Red Bull Powertrains moniker, a setup that will continue until the 2025 F1 season, after which Red Bull’s agreement with Ford will kick in.

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner spoke of his team’s new partner while reflecting on the Honda era; he said: “We’ve had an incredible partnership with Honda and when they initially announced their withdrawal from Formula 1 in 2020, it was with great sadness and that’s what prompted the creation of Red Bull Powertrains, to take control for our own future.

“And as we set out on that journey, there was a change of plan with Honda, thankfully, to agree to continue to supply engines till the end of 2025, until we were building up our resource for 2026,” he added.

Red Bull and Honda to keep pushing up to 2025

“That contract we have is until the end of 2025,” Horner pointed out. “We have a great working relationship, they are an incredible company and under the current regulations, we will be pushing with Honda all the way until the last race of the 2025 season.”

Honda is one of the six power unit manufacturers the FIA announced for 2026, but their plans are still unclear whether they will have their own team, or they will remain a a supplier only, even not clear who they will partner with should they take up the latter option.

Red Bull rushed to secure their future, and signed Ford for 2026, which definitely means a diverged path from Honda’s.

Horner commented: “Now with an OEM partner like Ford our paths are different for the 2026 season. We wish Honda the very best of luck for 2026 as their plans look to crystalise.

“But between now and then we will be working very closely and looking to build on the success that we have achieved so far,” the Briton concluded.