Red Bull admit big concerns – As Red Bull Racing approaches a historic milestone in its Formula One journey, anticipation and tension go hand in hand. The 2026 season marks a new chapter for the team as it prepares to compete with its own power units. The move, spearheaded by Red Bull Powertrains in partnership with Ford, represents a huge gamble. Despite the magnitude of the risk, team principal Christian Horner remains optimistic about the future, insisting that Red Bull has never been a team to shy away from bold endeavours, but the team has admitted to some serious concerns.
The current era of Formula One regulations is rapidly coming to an end. The 2025 season will be the last under the existing framework before sweeping new rules governing aerodynamics and engine technology are introduced. In anticipation of this seismic shift, Red Bull has taken the bold decision to break new ground by developing its own engines from scratch. In doing so, Red Bull has joined the elite ranks of constructors who are fully responsible for both chassis and power unit development, a list historically dominated by the likes of Ferrari and Mercedes.
An era comes to an end
The decision to build its own engine is not just about technical prowess; it is also a strategic move aimed at securing Red Bull’s long-term independence. Over the years, Red Bull’s reliance on external engine suppliers has brought its share of challenges and uncertainties.
With this new venture, Horner believes Red Bull is taking control of its own destiny.
A philosophy of risk and reward
Christian Horner recently reflected on the high-stakes decision in an interview with Formula 1 Magazine.
Channeling the spirit of Red Bull’s late founder, he said: “As Dietrich Mateschitz used to say, no risk, no fun.”
For Horner, at least publically, this philosophy is woven into the fabric of Red Bull Racing’s identity. It is a team that has always thrived on pushing boundaries, whether challenging the dominance of established powerhouses or embracing revolutionary designs.
Horner emphasised that the team’s growth and success has made it increasingly untenable to rely on external suppliers.
“If you look at how big our team is, how competitive we are… we cannot be dependent on external suppliers who can pull out or change their minds at any time,” he explained. “We are now in control of our own destiny.”
By bringing the powertrain operation in-house, Red Bull aims to insulate itself from the unpredictable whims of third parties, while ensuring that its future ambitions remain firmly in its own hands.
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Heavy investment reflects heavy expectations
To underline the seriousness of its commitment, Red Bull has invested heavily in creating a state-of-the-art facility for its engine project. Horner was quick to point out the strong support of Red Bull’s shareholders, stressing that this backing has been crucial in making the ambitious vision a reality.
“The shareholders have been tremendously supportive, as evidenced by the investment in building a state-of-the-art facility,” said Horner. “We now have everything on one site.”
This integrated model, with chassis and engine development under one roof, is rare in modern Formula One. Only Ferrari has historically operated in this way, and now Red Bull will join them. Such an arrangement offers unparalleled opportunities for synergy between the two most critical aspects of a car’s performance, but it also magnifies the risks. Any failure in engine development could be catastrophic for the team’s competitiveness.
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Red Bull admits big concerns
Despite the optimism, Horner is under no illusions about the scale of the challenge facing Red Bull. The team may be starting from the same technical base as the established manufacturers under the new 2026 regulations, but it lacks the decades of engine-building experience that rivals such as Mercedes, Ferrari and Renault boast.
“Of course it is an exciting project, not without its risks and challenges,” admitted Horner. “But that is also something that Red Bull has never been afraid of.”
Indeed, building a competitive power unit from scratch is one of the toughest tasks in Formula One. History is littered with cautionary tales of failed engine projects that derailed otherwise promising teams. From BMW’s troubled partnership with Sauber to Honda’s struggles with McLaren, even companies with immense resources and expertise have found the task daunting.
But Horner is confident that Red Bull’s culture of innovation and relentless pursuit of performance will help the team rise to the occasion. He noted that the forthcoming regulatory overhaul has leveled the playing field somewhat, giving new entrants like Red Bull Powertrains a rare window of opportunity.
Ford adds an extra dimension
Another interesting aspect of the new project is Red Bull’s strategic partnership with Ford. Although Ford’s role will be more supportive than hands-on, its technical resources and brand power add an extra dimension to Red Bull’s ambitions.
Ford’s expertise in areas such as battery technology, electric motor development and hybrid systems will be particularly valuable under the new 2026 regulations, which place a greater emphasis on electric power. While Ford will not be building the engines itself, its involvement sends a strong signal that Red Bull is taking every step to ensure success.
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A high-stakes gamble that could redefine Red Bull’s legacy
Ultimately, Red Bull’s decision to build its own engines is emblematic of a team that has never been content to follow the conventional path. Since its arrival in Formula One in 2005, Red Bull Racing has been synonymous with bold moves and ground-breaking innovation. From Sebastian Vettel’s run of four consecutive world championships to Max Verstappen’s dominance in the modern era, Red Bull has proven time and again that fortune favours the brave.
But even by its own bold standards, the launch of a powertrain division is perhaps the biggest risk Red Bull has ever taken. If successful, it could cement Red Bull’s position as a truly self-sufficient superpower in F1 for years to come. Failure could leave the team struggling in midfield, desperately trying to make up lost ground.
As the clock ticks down to 2026, all eyes will be on Red Bull Powertrains. Will this ambitious gamble pay off and usher in a new era of Red Bull dominance? Or will the team be overwhelmed by the harsh realities of top-level motorsport?
For now, Christian Horner and Red Bull are embracing the uncertainty, fuelled by the same daring spirit that took them to the top of F1 in the first place. No risk, no fun – and perhaps without it, no future.
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With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
