no Red Bull-Porsche deal yet for 2026
Christian Horner, director of the Red Bull team, told Autosport that no decision has been taken regarding the association between his team and Porsche, expected since the entry into force of the new engine regulations.
On the Formula 1 circuits, Red Bull doesn’t seem to have time to waste. After last weekend’s show of force at Spa, Belgium, where their two drivers took the lead, the Austrian team has consolidated its lead at the top of the constructors’ classification, and Max Verstappen is heading straight for his second title of consecutive world champion. But internally, regarding the possible partnership with a new engine manufacturer from 2026, we prefer not to rush.
The formalization by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) of the new F1 engine regulations for 2026, which must increase the share of sustainable fuels to 100% and increase the deployment of electrical energy up to 50% compared to current levels, was intended in particular to attract new players to the paddock. Volkswagen, through its two brands Audi and Porsche, wants to take the opportunity to mark its return to F1 after an absence of more than 30 years. But while Audi has officially committed to 2026 as a supplier of power units without specifying to whom, the agreement between Red Bull and Porsche still seems far from being finalized.
Red Bull could finally pursue with Honda
Briton Christian Horner, director of Red Bull, told Motorsport that his team had no need for Porsche to finance its power unit project, and hinted that the new engine could simply be employed under the Red Bull name. The partnership, supposed to allow Porsche to affix its name to this engine, would stumble over issues of shareholding and voting rights, when at the same time the process of going public on the German firm complicates the operation.
Read alsoFormula 1: Porsche would be « a natural partner for Red Bull », according to Horner
It is even said that Red Bull could finally decide to continue its technological partnership with Honda, initiated in 2019. The team and the engine manufacturer recently extended their agreement until the end of 2025. Nothing is done for 2026 “replied Christian Horner, asked about this possibility. New engine manufacturers have until October 15 to inform the FIA of their intention to enter Formula 1 in 2026, but Red Bull, sure of its strength, reserves the right to go it alone.
