Red Bull’s relationship with engine manufacturers has been a dynamic one, involving partnerships with Renault, Honda, and their own Red Bull Powertrain brand in recent seasons. The team’s collaboration with Renault, which spanned from 2007 to 2018, was especially successful, resulting in four consecutive Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships from 2010 to 2013. During this golden era, Red Bull dominated the sport with their powerful Renault engines, and their drivers, particularly Sebastian Vettel, became synonymous with success.
However, after a series of disagreements, Red Bull and Renault parted ways at the end of 2018. The team turned to Honda in 2019, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their engine supply partnership. Honda’s engines gave Red Bull a significant boost in performance, and their relationship, although at times strained, yielded impressive results. One of the high points of this partnership was Max Verstappen’s victory in the 2021 Drivers’ Championship, a triumph that ended Mercedes’ dominance and brought Red Bull back to the top.
Despite their success, Honda decided to withdraw from Formula 1 after the 2021 season, citing a focus on their future in green technologies. However, Red Bull was keen to continue using Honda’s engine technology, and in 2022, the team reached an agreement to run Honda engines under the “Red Bull Powertrain” banner. This arrangement would last until 2025, ensuring that Red Bull had the necessary power units to remain competitive for the next few seasons.
As part of this deal, Honda would still be involved in the development of the engines, but they would not be officially branding them as Honda engines. Instead, Red Bull would take full responsibility for the manufacturing and maintenance of the engines, essentially using the technology developed by Honda while keeping their own name on the car. This setup was beneficial for both parties, as Red Bull could continue to utilize Honda’s innovative engine designs, while Honda could focus on its corporate shift toward other technologies.
However, the landscape in Formula 1 is always shifting, and Red Bull’s engine plans took another turn as the team set their sights on 2026, when a major change in the sport’s regulations regarding power units will take place. To prepare for this new era, Red Bull has announced that they will be partnering with Ford starting in 2026. This new collaboration aims to combine Red Bull’s engineering prowess with Ford’s expertise in hybrid and electric powertrains, a key focus of the sport’s new regulations. The partnership with Ford is seen as a natural progression for Red Bull, as the team looks to maintain its competitive edge while embracing the future of Formula 1 technology.
Despite Red Bull’s move toward a new engine supplier, Honda’s presence in Formula 1 remains strong, as they have also secured a deal with Aston Martin for the 2026 season. This development has led to some interesting discussions, as Honda’s decision to engage with several teams before finalizing their agreement with Aston Martin has raised eyebrows. According to Honda Racing chief Koji Watanabe, the discussions with Red Bull were the first step in their negotiations for 2026. After Red Bull, however, Honda received interest from multiple other teams, and talks with these potential partners continued well into 2023.
Watanabe confirmed that several teams reached out to Honda, expressing interest in working with the Japanese manufacturer for the new era of power units. While Watanabe refrained from revealing the exact number of teams involved, he did indicate that Honda’s negotiations were extensive. Some teams only had initial discussions with Honda, while others engaged in multiple rounds of talks. This period of exploration allowed Honda to carefully consider its options before making the final decision to partner with Aston Martin, a team that had shown significant growth and ambition in recent years.
Aston Martin’s partnership with Honda for 2026 represents a new challenge for the Japanese company, as it will be their first involvement with a team that has not traditionally been a front-runner in Formula 1. However, Aston Martin has been making strides in recent seasons, with strong performances from their driver lineup, including Fernando Alonso, and an increasing presence at the sharp end of the grid. The collaboration between Honda and Aston Martin is expected to be mutually beneficial, with Honda bringing its expertise in engine development and Aston Martin bringing its growing engineering capabilities and resources.
The timeline for the 2026 season is crucial for all teams involved in these negotiations, as the changes in power unit regulations will require significant investments in research and development. The shift toward hybrid power units with an increased focus on electrification presents both opportunities and challenges for engine manufacturers. Red Bull’s decision to partner with Ford aligns with their strategy to embrace new technologies, while Honda’s agreement with Aston Martin shows their continued commitment to the sport and their desire to remain a key player in Formula 1.
As Red Bull transitions to Ford for 2026, the team’s existing relationship with Honda and the developments surrounding Honda’s partnership with Aston Martin highlight the ever-changing nature of Formula 1’s engine landscape. With the 2026 season on the horizon, the competition between power unit suppliers will intensify, and these strategic alliances will play a pivotal role in determining which teams emerge as the leaders in the new hybrid era.
In summary, Red Bull’s journey through multiple engine partnerships, from Renault to Honda and now towards a future with Ford, illustrates the shifting dynamics of Formula 1’s technological advancements. The evolving landscape of engine suppliers will shape the sport’s future, with the rivalry between teams and engine manufacturers becoming an increasingly crucial aspect of the competition.
