Christian Horner warns against Red Bull expectations: 'It would be disrespectful'

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has highlighted his desire to avoid being “disrespectful” towards rival teams when it comes to making predictions over next year's F1 pecking order.

A major change to the technical regulations will come into play in 2026, creating the potential for the order to be shaken up.

Red Bull is embarking on a fresh chapter as it builds its own power unit for the first time in partnership with Ford.

It's a considerable challenge being taken on by the Milton Keynes-based squad as it goes head-to-head with more experienced power unit manufacturers.

While Horner holds confidence his squad can start off in a strong position, he is wary of the threat the other teams pose.

“I really believe we will be in a competitive position,” Horner told De Telegraaf. 

“But it would be naive and almost disrespectful towards Mercedes, Ferrari and Honda to think that we will set the standard in our first year. 

“We have never built an engine and have not driven a lap. But I am confident that we have the right people on board to deliver. 

“It will undoubtedly take time and be a steep learning curve. For the whole team, 2026 will be a reset. It is part of Red Bull's DNA to embrace risks.”

Christian Horner reflects on 'bizarre' 2021 triumph

Red Bull has largely dominated the last several F1 seasons and returned to title-winning ways in 2021 with Max Verstappen.

The Dutchman prevailed in a titanic battle with Lewis Hamilton, which went down to the last lap of the final race in the campaign.

“Let me put it this way: a screenwriter in Hollywood could not have come up with this story,” Horner reflected. 

“It was a fight between two heavyweights, Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. I think the new F1 film is less dramatic than the developments that year. 

“Two drivers who start the last race with the same number of points, bizarre.”

Verstappen has since enjoyed more stress-free title fights compared to his 2021 triumph, which Horner explained set the expectations of the team too high. 

“Then we were also strong the year after and 2023 was the most successful year ever for a team in F1. 

“Then we more or less created a problem for ourselves, because the expectations were incredibly high afterwards. 

“Last season we 'just' won nine races, but that is then called as mediocre.”