Horner explains why Red Bull-Porsche engine partnership fell through

Christian Horner says Red Bull’s proposed partnership with Porsche for Formula 1’s 2026 engine rules could have forced the companies into major compromises. Porsche’s request for a 50% stake in Red Bull Technology became a key obstacle, and the agreement did not go ahead.

The discussions took place in 2022, as Formula 1 prepared to remove the MGU-H and introduce a near-even split between combustion and electrical power under its 2026 rules. Porsche saw the new regulations as a route into the championship. Horner told Autosport that there had been doubts within Red Bull’s Austrian group about whether it could build a competitive engine alone.

Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz explored the idea with Porsche, while Horner visited the manufacturer’s facilities in Weissach. Horner said Red Bull was substantially further ahead in its Formula 1 preparations; he believed a tie-up would entail many compromises and could create difficulties around an equal partnership.

Red Bull still needed a partner, Horner said. At the time, it was paying for Honda to remain in F1, developing its own 2026 engine and operating two grand prix teams; he described the overall commitment as a major burden.

Ford was weighing a return to F1, and its agreement with Red Bull was formally announced in February 2023. Ford would contribute expertise in electrification, battery architecture and control software, while Red Bull Powertrains retained managerial independence. Horner recounted that Bill Ford wanted to support Red Bull without becoming deeply involved in its business.