McLAREN WEIGHS UP RED BULL FORD ENGINE FOR 2026
Having already secured the backing of one of the world’s biggest car manufacturers – Ford – Red Bull’s new powertrain division is in talks with potential customers in Formula 1. Among these is Mclaren. Its CEO Zak Brown has already paid a visit to the newly built engine factory in Milton Keynes.
The fact of the visit was confirmed by Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, who admitted the parties are discussing a possible engine deal to begin in 2026, when the next set of regulations comes into force. For the time being, however, the talks are only preliminary.
“As a powertrain manufacturer for 2026, it’s inevitable that discussions are going to be had regarding potential powertrain supply,” Horner said. “It’s only natural we would speak with potential customers.”
In addition to Red Bull Racing itself, Red Bull Powertrains is also planning to supply Alphatauri in 2026. But it’s already clear there is interest from other teams in an engine supply deal.
Mclaren is back with Mercedes after a disastrous spell with Honda and three years with Renault, but the Brixworth-built engines are no longer considered the best in F1 – and it’s rumoured Mclaren has even considered a return to Honda. The Japanese manufacturer plans to remain in F1 after the new regulations come into force in 2026, but has yet to agree a deal with any team beyond 2025. Honda’s options for then are limited, since there are five manufacturers planning to build engines, including Red Bull-ford and Mercedes, as well as Ferrari, Alpine and Audi.
It’s not beyond the realm of possibility that the Red Bull-ford could be the most popular engine in F1 in 2026. However, according to Horner, having customers wouldn’t bring any financial benefits to his engine division. “Obviously, we’re under budget caps,” he said. “Supply costs are dictated. From what we see, there is no money supplying customer teams. It’s not a profitable business.”
Having additional partner teams can, however, be useful for engine development, especially at the start of a new rules cycle.
IT’S NOT BEYOND THE REALM OF POSSIBILITY THAT THE RED BULLFORD COULD BE THE MOST POPULAR ENGINE IN F1 IN 2026