Breaking: Christian Horner identifies ‘by far our biggest challenge’ in huge Red Bull change…More
Christian Horner on Red Bull’s 2026 Challenge: Competing with Ferrari and Mercedes in Power Units
Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner has acknowledged the significant challenge his team faces as they prepare to build their own power units for the first time in 2026.
This development comes as Formula 1 prepares for a major overhaul of its technical regulations, which will include changes to both powertrains and chassis design.
Horner expressed confidence in Red Bull Powertrains’ ability to compete with established manufacturers like Ferrari and Mercedes but admitted that the scale of the project represents the team’s most daunting challenge in Formula 1 to date.
Speaking on talkSPORT, he described the dual regulation changes as the most significant shift the sport has seen in six decades, calling it a monumental task for all teams on the grid.
Red Bull announced earlier this year a partnership with Ford to produce power units for the new regulations, marking a historic milestone for the team.
This partnership coincides with the conclusion of their technical collaboration with Honda, which will instead become Aston Martin’s factory power unit supplier in 2026.
Despite this transition, Horner remains optimistic that Red Bull can rise to the occasion and deliver a competitive engine from the outset.
“We’ve got a massive regulation change in 2026, with both the engine and chassis evolving, and we’re building our own engine in collaboration with Ford Motor Company,” Horner explained.
“It’s a huge challenge, and we’re taking on giants like Ferrari and Mercedes as a Red Bull subsidiary.
That’s by far our biggest challenge in Formula 1, but we’re embracing it with the right people, facilities, and a strong mindset.”
While Horner underscored the scale of the task, he reiterated his belief that Red Bull has the tools and determination needed to succeed.
“It’s going to take time, but we’re confident we can compete at the highest level,” he added.
The 2026 regulations aim to increase the focus on sustainable technologies, with significant changes to power unit designs emphasizing hybridization and environmental efficiency.
This comes alongside a complete reset of the chassis rules, making it one of the most comprehensive shifts in Formula 1 history.
As the current regulations mature, the 2025 season is expected to be a highly competitive one, with teams converging in performance levels.
Horner noted this timing adds to the complexity of the 2026 transition, joking that Formula 1 has a knack for altering regulations just when things get interesting.
“Formula 1 has a habit of changing the rules when things start to heat up,” Horner quipped during a media session in Abu Dhabi.
“The 2026 reset is massive, probably the biggest change in the last 60 years, affecting both powertrains and chassis. But it’s a challenge every team will face, so it’s about who adapts best.”
In addition to existing teams, the grid will expand to include Cadillac in 2026, adding further intrigue to an already competitive landscape.
Horner emphasized the importance of focusing on 2025 before fully committing to the challenges of the new era.
“2025 will be crucial, as it’s the last year under the current regulations,” he said. “Teams will want to maximize performance before turning their full attention to 2026. It’s a balancing act, but one that everyone on the grid will need to manage.”
Despite the uncertainty that comes with such sweeping changes, Horner believes Red Bull’s strong team culture and innovative spirit will be pivotal in tackling the challenges ahead.
With the combination of Ford’s expertise and Red Bull’s proven track record of engineering excellence, the team is confident they can emerge as strong competitors in this new era of Formula 1.
Ultimately, the 2026 regulation changes represent a level playing field for all teams, providing an opportunity for Red Bull to solidify their position among Formula 1’s elite.
However, Horner remains pragmatic, acknowledging the scale of the challenge while expressing faith in the people and resources behind the project.
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