Red Bull is the only front-runner in the Formula One fraternity that is still not manufacturing its own engine. Lately, they have collaborated with Renault for their power unit supply. However, at the end of the 2018 season, the Austrian team cut ties with Renault and joined hands with the Japanese team, Honda, as their new engine supplier. However, their deal is set till the end of 2025. And as a result, Red Bull has been looking to other sources for its power needs.
For some time now, there has been news of the German car company Porsche joining the Formula One fraternity. It was reported that Porsche would collaborate will Red Bull for their engine need from 2026. However, the deal did not come through because of their responsibility negotiation differences. And now, there are reports that Red Bull is again considering Honda as their engine provider.
Red Bull Set To Re-Ignite Relationship With Honda
The most efficient collaboration of Red Bull and Honda brought in the world championship title in 2021 after a long wait of eight years. Not only that, the Austrian team is about to get their second consecutive win with the same Japanese engine. Therefore, undoubtedly, the relationship has worked well. So, the team will likely want to have the same successful time as they are having right now.
As per the speculations, talks about once again having a closer relationship is a “logical and interesting” step for Red Bull, confirmed boss. Not only that, but their team consultant Helmut Marko also revealed that he would soon fly to Japan to have some new talks with Honda. The Japanese engine manufacturer backed out from the F1 organization at the end of last year. Although still, Red Bull Powertrains-branded power units are based on Honda’s concept.
Elsewhere, talks also came around that the Austria-based racing team is planning team manufacture their own power units after their deal finishes with Honda. With this, their dependency on partners for the most important component of their Formula one car will vanish. They will be solely responsible for their performance at the upcoming championships. As Horner stated, “We managed to attract highly qualified engineers who are among the best in Formula 1 for our engine project. We set up the factory in 55 weeks and we already have our first V6 on the test bench. So, we think we have the skills to go our own way.”
Therefore, right now, Red Bull has both options. First, to re-ignite their relationship with Honda for the future. Or secondly, creating their own engine and becoming independent and self-sufficient like Mercedes & Ferrari.