Christian Horner reveals Ford’s REAL contribution to Red Bull Powertrains

Christian Horner shed light regarding Ford's role in ambitious Red Bull Powertrains project for the 2026 F1 powerunits.

Christian Horner reveals Ford’s REAL contribution to Red Bull Powertrains

Christian Horner (image via Autosport)

Red Bull partnered with American giant Ford to co-develop F1 power units from 2026. The Austrian team had already established its new Powertrains facility in Milton Keynes. The energy drinks giant joined forces with Ford after failed discussions with Honda and Porsche. Now, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner shared details of the contributions made by the automaker.

Horner admitted that the ‘Blue Oval’ had significantly helped with the finances of the Powertrains division amidst the high investments made by the energy drinks giant. He told autosports, “Ford has effectively halved that burden to the shareholders.” Subsequently, the 49-year-old mentioned Ford’s investments in electric mobility might be crucial to this endeavor as 50% of power output in F1 will be coming from the electrical components in 2026.

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Moreover, the Red Bull team boss revealed that Milton Keynes and the automaker were holding discussions every week regarding the electrical components of the 2026 power units. Horner was clear that both parties were happy with the arrangement. With the pair working towards their first co-developed F1 power unit. He stated, “I really think on the electrical side we’re meeting with the Ford guys on a weekly basis, and seeing some really interesting developments.”

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Ford is not interfering with Red Bull’s F1 operations

Red Bull Ford Powertrains HQ (image via Autosport)
Red Bull Ford Powertrains HQ (image via Autosport)

After Honda’s shock exit announcement from F1 in 2020, Red Bull decided to take control of its power units by starting Red Bull Powertrains. The Milton Keynes-based team was adamant about securing its future without being dependent on any manufacturer. Subsequently, the Austrian team decided not to partner up with Porsche for its Powertrains division after the German carmaker wanted to acquire a stake in Red Bull Advanced Technologies.

However, Ford came out as the best option for Milton Keynes. The American giant was content with financial contributions and assistance on the electrical side without any stake in Red Bull’s F1 team. Christian Horner believed this has helped forge a strong partnership without any interference from Ford. He said, “They’re not trying to tell us how to run our business or, they’re not involved from a shareholding perspective. And it’s been a very, very conducive relationship so far.”

Thus, Red Bull Ford Powertrains has been working effectively so far. Christian Horner was happy with the present arrangement with the American auto giant. Milton Keynes focused on the internal combustion engine without any hassles from Ford. As such, it seems that the Austrian team made the right choice when it partnered with Ford earlier this year.

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