Red Bull’s team principal Christian Horner has reassured fans and critics alike regarding the challenges Honda are facing with their 2026 F1 engine project.
The new regulations for 2026 will enhance electrical systems, eliminate the MGU-H, and introduce fully sustainable fuels, marking the most significant overhaul since the turbo hybrid era began in 2014.
Honda joined forces with Red Bull back in 2019, following a stint with Toro Rosso, and their collaboration led to Max Verstappen clinching the drivers’ championship in 2021.
Despite Honda officially exiting F1, they continued providing engines under the Red Bull Powertrains label, although these were essentially Honda units.
Looking forward to 2026, Honda will switch allegiances to partner with Aston Martin, while Red Bull develops their own power units with technical support from Ford.
Amidst speculation about Honda’s progress, Horner commented, “It is a big challenge; they disbanded their project and then restarted it again,” he said.
“They may well have lost a little bit of time through that, but they’re a very capable company and they’ve got great strength. I am sure they’ll have a competitive power unit come 2026.”
Regarding Red Bull’s own engine development, Horner acknowledged the enormity of the task. “You always want more time, but it is a big challenge for us, producing our own engine from scratch, a start-up company, but we’re doing well,” he stated.
“Of course, you never know what your opponents are doing, it is a big challenge, but for us, it is the right move.”
The upcoming F1 season will kick off with the Australian Grand Prix in 2025, where teams will race over 58 laps of the 5.278-kilometer Albert Park semi-street circuit on March 16.
This event will set the stage for the intense development and competition leading up to the 2026 season’s new engine regulations.
