Ferrari-Red Bull Hostility Boils Over With Latest Move From Rivals in Red

Ferrari always loves to be the prime player in the political game of F1. When the FIA looks to take any major decision, the Scuderia always seems to be a major influencing stakeholder. Although, in the latest development for the 2026 engine regulations, the table seems to have turned. Apparently, Red Bull also has a seat at the table as a new engine supplier. This doesn’t seem to sit well with their rivals in Red from Maranello.

As per Motorsport Turkey, the FIA had set a deadline for confirming their entry to the 2026 regulations as an engine supplier. This deadline was further extended until the end of November 2022. Though Ferrari might have missed this deadline and did not sign the agreement. Thus, the Italian team was not able to attend the meeting in December regarding the 2026 rules.

As per the Brazilian edition of Motorsport, Ferrari’s major objection is how the FIA is considering Red Bull as a new engine supplier. Red Bull’s RBPT division that will helm its 2026 engine program has had access to Honda’s engine IP for a while now. So, Ferrari may have questioned Red Bull RBPT’s “new” entry status.

So, the on-track hostility between Ferrari and Red Bull has moved over to the off-track negotiations as well. Meanwhile, Honda that left F1 as Red Bull’s engine partner returned to the table for this 2026 rules meet.

Read More: Honda Refuses to Cut Off Red Bull Completely as Championship Winning Manufacturer Continues to Leave a Mark

While Honda is looking to stay on in F1 for the new engine rules, Red Bull has set itself a deadline to develop their own engine under the RBPT name till 2026. Besides, Red Bull and Honda, Mercedes, Audi, and Alpine (Renault) have also confirmed their entries for the 2026 new engines.

Why is Ferrari against Red Bull RBPT as a “New” Engine Manufacturer?

The FIA always makes efforts to restore parity and induce competition whenever a major regulation change occurs. The aim of the 2026 regulations is also similar in nature. Besides, encouraging a more sustainable approach towards the engines; the FIA is also looking to welcome new manufacturers like Audi and Porsche to get some more competition.

While Porsche isn’t close to confirming their entry; Audi has already registered and announced their F1 team’s involvement in this new era of the sport. The FIA allows several advantages and concessions to new engine manufacturers. This involves additional dyno testing hours during their engine development, greater investments, and upgrade allowances to level the playing field.

Thus, Ferrari may feel Red Bull might be getting these undue advantages despite having access to Honda’s engine IP presently. On the other hand, Honda with its HRC (Honda Racing Corporation) has got a separate entry for the new engine regulations.

So, despite the unlikeliness of a reunion with Red Bull, Honda still can be a backup supplier for Red Bull, if they falter. Nonetheless, nothing is confirmed as to in what capacity is Honda looking at its F1 return.

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Either way, Ferrari would look to seal its leakages before throwing pebbles into Red Bull’s boat. The Scuderia may not want to invite trouble and lag behind on its engine development for 2026 with all this chaos. What do you think of this new F1 engine rule change?