Red Bull Graced With Options for 2026 Engine Change as Honda Threatens Audi & Porsche F1 Prospects

Red Bull Racing is running the rebranded Honda engines until new 2026 F1 regulations come into action. Meanwhile, there is an increase in the rumors surrounding the return of the Japanese manufacturers to Formula One around that time.

In the recent past, Honda supplied the power units to Red Bull, but the Japanese manufacturers left the sport after 2021. However, Red Bull is still using the Japanese power trains under the rebranding of Red Bull Power Train. Further, the Austrian F1 team will be using the Japanese engines till the 2026 season due to the engine freeze imposed by FIA.

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But the Austrian team has to look for a replacement when the new regulations came in 2026. As for now, there are rumors linking the Milton Keynes base with Porsche, who is planning to enter Formula One in 2026. However, there are also rumors these past few days about the return of Honda in the 2026 season. If the Japanese manufacturers return to the sport, then the Milton Keynes-based team has to choose between Honda and Porsche.

It would be easy for Red Bull to work with new F1 OEMs

The Milton Keynes-based team is one of the best teams in F1 and now they don’t have any official power unit suppliers. They are currently running Honda engines under their own rebranding. So, the Austrian F1 base attracts interest from many power unit manufacturers, especially Porsche and Audi, who might enter F1 in the future.

Since last season, there are rumors about Audi and Porsche joining the Formula One grid. Now it seems they would join the grid as engine manufacturers. Further, Red Bull is also interested in working with these German automobile giants. And, team principal Christian Horner is optimistic about getting a positive deal with the German OEMs.

Horner reported, “It would be very easy, but it would have to be with the right partner, of course. It would therefore be logical for us to hold discussions with both OEMs, or any serious OEM.

“For us, Powertrains is ongoing, it’s on schedule, and we’re really excited about the talent that we’ve managed to attract into the business.”

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Red Bull is among the favorites this season besides Ferrari. Although the Red Bull duo retired from the Bahrain race, they showcased a phenomenal performance in the Jeddah race. The Milton Keynes-based team is now in Australia for the third race. Let’s see how the Austrian F1 team performs this Sunday.