$55 Billion American Name Joins Red Bull Powertrains Merry-Go-Round as 2026 Brainchild Draws Major Interest

Red Bull and its current partner, Honda, have proved to be one of their most successful partnership in recent years. They’ve won 2 WDCs and a constructor’s championship this year together. However, Honda withdrew at the end of 2021 but signed an extension to their power unit support deal until the end of 2025. The Milton-Keynes team has been looking for a new partner since.

While talks with Mercedes rivals Porsche seemed to be in advanced stages, they didn’t yield the desired outcomes. The Milton-Keynes outfit feared losing control over the company and hence, the deal collapsed at the 11th hour. Red Bull is committed to building its own Power Units from the 2026 season. Hence, it remains unclear as to what kind of partnership they get into.

After Porsche’s snub, Red Bull might get interested in American motor giant, Ford. The company was last active in F1 almost 2 decades back when they were involved with Jaguar from 2000 to 2004. The two companies already work together in WRC and it is suggested that the $55 Billion company’s preferred route is very different from Porsche, which wanted more control of Red Bull.

Christian Horner said earlier this year, “We are fully focused on a Red Bull power unit, and if there was a like-minded partner that could contribute something to the project, then of course you would have to absolutely consider that. But it’s not a prerequisite.”

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Red Bull bought the Jaguar team when they first entered F1 and Ford joining them will complete a full circle for them. Furthermore, the growth of F1 in America has forced the ‘Blue Oval’ to consider a shock return to the sport.

Red Bull maestro Adrian Newey believes the cost-cap penalty will hurt Red Bull

Adrian Newey is highly responsible for Red Bull’s dominance on the grid this season. The maestro passed the new regulation test with flying colors and delivered a beast of a car. However, the RBR maestro does not believe it will be as easy for Max Verstappen next season to defend his title.

Adrian Newey said, “If we’re really smart and always put on the right things on the model, it doesn’t make much difference. But Ferrari won’t be resting. They will be sorting out where their weak areas. They had a couple of reliability problems, they made a few pitwall mistakes – they’ll be alright.”

He further added, “Of course, you obviously saw Mercedes starting with a car that was quite a long way off the pace and evolving it to the point they won the last race but one [in Brazil]. We know they will be right there. It’s going to be a tough year for sure.”

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Red Bull enjoyed a strong season in 2022, but they will be hoping to build on their success. Can Max Verstappen win a treble of world championships with the Milton-Keynes outfit?