Porsche announced on Friday that its plans to enter Formula 1 in 2026 as a 50% partner of the Red Bull team have been abandoned, with the negotiations closing.
Red Bull has always been eager to maintain control and did not look favorably on Porsche’s acquisition of stakes. Following the announcement, team principal Christian Horner told Motorsport.com that the two sides have “very different DNA”.
Red Bull has already created its own powertrain division which does not depend on a manufacturer as a partner, but was intended to work closely with Porsche on the 2026 engine.
Red Bull consultant Helmut Marko said that although Red Bull Powertrains can operate independently, there is already great interest from other manufacturers.
“At the moment we don’t need anyone,” Marko told Austrian radio station OE3. “But if it turns out that there are synergies and benefits, then we’re open.”
“But surprisingly, we have received some inquiries now that the Porsche surrender has become official.”
Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing RB18
Photo by: Alastair Staley / Motorsport Images
Red Bull worked with Honda until the end of the 2021 season, when the Japanese manufacturer announced his retirement from F1, but maintained technical ties with Red Bull through HRC, with a partnership in place until the end of the year. 2025.
Honda has not closed the door to a possible return to F1 in 2026, and Marko said in the radio interview: “We are talking to Honda”.
In its statement, Porsche said that any partnership “would be based on an equal basis, which would include not only a partnership for the engine but also for the team” and “this could not be achieved” with Red Bull.
Marko explained how, in the course of the talks, it became clear that the agreement would not be beneficial to both parties, who therefore decided to end the discussions.
“It became clear during the talks that this collaboration would not bring any benefit to either side for the overall project,” said Marko.
“The efficiency of Red Bull Racing was fundamental. That the team has the success it has had in the last 10 or 12 years, that this continues.”
“We are in a good position. We have the fastest rider until 2028. We have Adrian Newey, the best designer. And we have a powertrain department that was fully operational in 55 weeks. The first engine has already been started. That means that we are completely self-sufficient “.
“However, if we can contribute with the know-how in the motor sector or if we can obtain other synergies or advantages, we are open to cooperation.”
#Marko #Red #Bull #attracts #manufacturers