Boss says Red Bull F1 team doesn't need Porsche in 2026
Sep.3 - Red Bull will go it alone if a highly expected works deal with Porsche is not finalised.
That is the claim of Red Bull team boss Christian Horner, after new Volkswagen and current Porsche CEO Oliver Blume admitted that talks about the German marque's 2026 Formula 1 entry are still ongoing.
Indeed, Horner says Red Bull is still ploughing ahead with its own engine program - Red Bull Powertrains - while rumours of Honda's returning to full works status for 2026 are gathering speed.
The Porsche GT2 RS seen during the recordings of the Percussive Planet Ensemble in Spielberg
"There are some manufacturers, not just Germans, who are also interested in Formula 1," Dr Helmut Marko told Sport1 at Zandvoort.
"As for Porsche, Mr Blume and co are not unknown to us."
The big paddock rumour is that Red Bull is pushing back on Porsche's demands as what level of control, influence and philosophy a proposed 50 percent team buyout would entail.
"Anything Red Bull would consider should fit into the team's long-term strategy," Horner said. "There's still plenty of time for us.
"Any relationship with a manufacturer or partner should suit Red Bull. It's part of our DNA that makes us who we are that we're not a team backed by a corporation.
"That's one of our strengths and an absolute requirement for the future. We have a great team with great depth and we have this exciting new chapter we are starting on the powertrain side of the business. So we're good.
"Time will tell whether we include a partner in that program or not. But as the plan now stands, we will continue on our own," Horner added.
So rather than selling out to Porsche, Horner insists that the famous VW-owned German sports car maker needs to decide "whether they want to accept this invitation or not within the culture of how we go racing".
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"...we're not a team backed by a corporation. That's one of our strengths and an absolute requirement for the future...".
Not backed by a huge monolithic automobile manufacturing corporation is what Horner really meant to say. Red Bull is privately held by Dietrich Mateschitz and a Thai family. Red Bull has 38% of energy drink market share.
So good for Red Bull for calling the shots, and putting Porsche in it's rightful place.
Devils advocate time Canadian , so Turn down Porsche, Turn down Honda, only couple years ago , they were happy jumping into bed with Honda, whove made them WCs, as they say sabre rattling,but imo playing Honda against Porsche, they might end up with sod all and back to plan A of building there own engines, i suspect theyll go with Porsche 50/50 deal for lets say 5 yrs and Porsche getting 1st option to buy the team out or leave, by that time Dieter and Abe will both be in retirement homes, but heh who knows
They don’t need Porsche. They should go back with Honda. Shades of Andretti who also mishandled their opportunity. HAAS took chances and a few years back many teams were in bankruptcy and receivership. Where were Andretti and Porsche then? Red Bull should not change their DNA and should not give anyone 50% Porsche never committed even though they were in F1 in late 50’s, early 60’s and with TAG in 80’s. Ferrari has committed, so has Williams, McLaren and Renault. Red Bull never left and endured down years. Let Porsche form their own team, which will be back marker like Audi for a while. Andretti would bring up the rear.
Porsche and Audi couldn’t even commit to stay at LeMans. That’s why Toyota has dominated last few years and had zero competition. Now everyone wants to come back there, but for how long? Just a photo opportunity and a publicity grab. Real racers stick around and commit, like Honda in Indycar. And Honda is supporting Red Bull through 2025. Come back in 2026!
At a risk of upsetting people, which isn't my intention , but RB DNA ? So Jaguar(Ford), who also couldn't stick around . Le Mans, Porsche/Audi,Bentley they've won more at lemans than I think anyone...
What we wish for mmmm anything that VW do, they are winners at,from ur quattro,lemans not to mention (Porsche,Lambo,Bentley ) So why are people saying they wont win in F1?, I hear the same voices saying from a deckchair Gp2 Gp2 engine and look at Honda now,more in and out than the hokey cokey, The problem isn't success, its Money, if a new mfs wants to join lemans, noproblem, wrc-noproblem, moto gp-noproblem but F1 they are blocked or have the (value/dilution) argument, f1 in a healthy place, lol well see , now Putins finally turned off ALL the Gas to Germany.
I dont have the answers none of us do, but we still love f1 with all its F**k ups and Freaks
Right,, so who is sir Lulu going to take out today in his mad haste to get to the front perez, possible, CS, no don't think so hasn't had much to do with him,, CL, wouldn't surprise me as he's taken Charles out before and probably thinks Charlie's a push over,, Hurry up I can't wait.
Dame Lucille is like the fat ugly brides-maid that knocks over the other single females as she rushes for the thrown bouquet. Hopefully he shows a glimmer of his former talent.