Red Bull boss Christian Horner has insisted that it isn’t “underestimating” the challenge the impending Formula 1 regulation change will pose to the team and partner Ford.
The upcoming campaign will see Red Bull attempt to overcome the issues in 2024 that culminated in the side relinquishing the Constructors’ Championship to McLaren.
But while it strives to regain the title in 2025, the Austrian outfit’s attention will also be on the reset coming next term that will see it debut an engine that’s been built in-house.
Honda’s initial decision to cease development once 2021 ended inspired Red Bull to set up a powertrains division to bring the squad’s work under one single campus.
But Red Bull won’t be doing it all alone as it is collaborating with Ford on the revamped formula which will comprise a 50/50 split between combustion and electrical power.
Horner has expressed repeated confidence in the nascent venture which will produce the power units that both the parent team and satellite side Racing Bulls will run.
However, he’s under no illusion that Red Bull has a daunting task to remain competitive enough to win titles against established manufacturers like Ferrari and Mercedes.
“It’s great to be kicking off 2025 celebrating Ford Performance as together, we prepare for the challenges and changes coming to both Formula 1 and Red Bull in 2026,” Horner said at a recent event with Ford.
“It is a hugely exciting time for the Team and while the prospect of building our own engine is an undertaking that cannot be underestimated, our partnership with Ford is a pivotal one in the overall project.
“Ford have a long and storied history, synonymous with success through 120 years of motor racing and development. Today’s launch is a reflection of that success and growth.
“Not only are Ford instrumental in our powertrain journey, they emulate our dedication to supporting female talent through their title sponsorship of the Red Bull Ford Academy Programme. It is, as I say, an exciting time,” he continued.
Red Bull partnership will ‘showcase Ford technologies’
Ford’s alliance with Red Bull has spelt an end to the automotive giant’s protracted F1 hiatus, having not been involved since withdrawing when Jaguar departed in 2004.
Red Bull purchased the team and has since gone on to win eight Drivers’ and six Constructors’ titles, making it the ideal partner to platform Ford’s return to the sport.
“Formula 1 is our chance to showcase Ford technologies on a global stage to a whole new audience, generating excitement for the iconic Ford brand all around the world,” Ford Motor Company President and CEO Jim Farley added.
“This is such an exciting chapter in Ford’s history. Over the past 20 years Red Bull has succeeded in changing the landscape of Formula 1 and it has done so by being determined to do things differently, an ethos that is very much emulated in the Red Bull Ford Powertrains partnership and with the title sponsorship of the Red Bull Ford Academy Programme.”
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