Shucking update:Horner statement issued as Verstappen hit with.....Read more

Horner statement issued as Verstappen hit with HARSH championship ruling

Christian Horner, the team principal of Red Bull Racing, has issued a statement regarding the development of Honda’s power unit as their partnership in Formula 1 approaches its end. Honda has been supplying power units to Red Bull and Toro Rosso since their split with McLaren in 2017, later expanding their involvement by partnering with both teams in 2019. However, Honda made the decision to withdraw from F1 at the conclusion of the 2021 season. Despite their departure, the Japanese manufacturer reconsidered the decision after the introduction of the 2026 F1 regulations, which promise to balance the combustion engine and electrical components equally.

Although Honda initially expressed interest in continuing their collaboration with Red Bull for 2026, their split with the team has been confirmed, and Honda will instead partner with Aston Martin to supply power units from 2026 onward. Red Bull Racing, on the other hand, plans to produce their own powertrains starting in 2026.

The end of the partnership has raised concerns within Honda, particularly regarding the progress of their engine development for 2026. The manufacturer admitted to facing challenges with their power unit development, citing difficulties in moving forward after disbanding their project and then restarting it. Honda acknowledged that this disruption might have caused delays in their progress, leading to their current struggles in keeping up with the evolving demands of F1’s new engine regulations.

In response to Honda’s statements, Christian Horner expressed his understanding of the challenges Honda faces. He noted that although Honda had to halt their initial project and restart it, the Japanese company possesses significant capabilities and strength. Horner was confident that despite these setbacks, Honda will be able to produce a competitive power unit for the 2026 season. “They are a very capable company,” Horner emphasized, expressing his optimism that Honda would overcome the difficulties they’ve faced and be ready to compete at a high level when the new regulations take effect.

As Red Bull Racing prepares for their transition into producing their own powertrains, the team has formed a partnership with Ford. The American automotive giant will collaborate with Red Bull to develop the new engine supply, which will be used for both Red Bull Racing and their sister team, Racing Bulls. The partnership with Ford represents a significant step for Red Bull as they move forward in their pursuit of power unit independence in F1, starting in 2026. This collaboration is expected to be a crucial part of their strategy as they aim to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving world of For

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