On the occasion of the launch of the 2023 single-seater, which took place yesterday in New York, Red Bull has made official the agreement that will see it tie to the American giant Ford from 2026. Until then both Red Bull and AlphaTauri will continue to use Hond engines. But, as specified by Christian Horner, the transition from Honda to Ford will according to very specific rules.
From separation to divorce
La RB19 it is almost identical to the RB18. The colors are those of the latest winning single-seaters from Red Bull, as if it were a good omen. Perhaps we should wait a few more years for a livery change that could take place due to the partnership with Ford. At the moment the Honda brand is imprinted on the RB19, a "novelty" already anticipated in the last races of 2022, in the Japanese GP. The prestigious Japanese brand - which led Red Bull towards the world titles, has in fact decided not to abandon totally the Circus after the farewell in 2021. Renewing an agreement to continue to provide technical assistance to the engines of Milton Keynes until 2025.
In 2026, the year in which a new technical cycle will begin on the motoring front, the paths of Honda and Red Bull will separate definitively, due to the agreement – technical and commercial – with Ford. From 2026 Red Bull PowerTrains will be officially recognized as the new engine maker alongside Ford which will brand the engines of Red Bull and AlphaTauri. But, knowing what will happen from 2026 onwards, how will the collaboration between Honda and Red Bull be managed over the next 3 years?
Horner: "There's a Chinese wall between us and Honda"
Interviewed in New York for the presentation of the new livery, the TP of Red Bull, Christian horner spoke about the settlement with Ford and how the divorce issue with Honda will be handled. The Japanese brand has declared its intention stay in 2026. But still remains without any team. While this is therefore an unusual situation in F1, Horner clarified that the two groups will be completely separated, and that protective measures will be established to protect both parties.
"We have an agreement and a very good relationship with Honda until the end of 2025. There is no exchange of intellectual property. All Honda engines are made in Japan and everything about RB Powertrains is focused on 2026. There's a clear “Chinese wall” between the two activities, we can't see the inside of the engine or anything like that. But of course we will work with Honda over the next few years to get the best possible results and defend the titles we have won."
Source statements: RacingNews365
