Lars Leeftink
Wednesday, January 3, 2024 8:51 AM – Last update: 8:54 AM
Christian Horner, team boss of Red Bull Racing, is aware that Max Verstappen’s team is taking a big risk by competing in the engine field against Mercedes, Ferrari and Honda, among others, from 2026. Yet the experienced Brit thinks it is possible.
In conversation with Sky Sports, Horner provides an update on the current situation regarding Red Bull Powertrains. The team will collaborate with Ford in this area to be able to make and supply its own engines from 2026. “There is an equalization mechanism in the rules, but there is always a delay around it, usually 12 months. We have invested with our partners, along with Ford, in the UK to have the engine facility on campus. Now we have a factory, state-of-the-art facilities and almost 500 people working on the 2026 engine.”
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Red Bull takes risks
Yet Horner also knows that he and his team are taking a risk by developing engines themselves and competing against teams and companies that have been doing this for years or have experience with it. Honda, Mercedes, Ferrari, Renault and Audi will be the competitors from 2026. “To take on Mercedes, Ferrari, Honda, Renault and Audi from scratch is something we are looking forward to, but it is a bold step, too although we think it will pay off in the long run.”
Ferrari under pressure
Ferrari is therefore one of those competitors. According to Horner, the historic Italian team is under constant pressure. Pressure that comes from the fans, but also from the Italian media. “Ferrari is a different kind of team, a national team. There is a pressure that comes with that and the Italian media are absolutely ruthless and scrutinize their every move. The expectations are enormous. Fred (Vasseur) is a capable guy and a racer and Ferrari is a big animal in F1. The expectations for them will be very high next year.”
2024-01-03 07:52:51
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