Horner reveals unveiling date of 'special' Red Bull

Christian Horner has revealed the time when fans will see the first on-track glimpse of Red Bull's 2026 collaboration with Ford.

After many years working with Honda, for the first time in Red Bull history, the team is developing its own proprietary engine via its newly created Power Trains department in Milton Keynes.

American manufacturing giant Ford is playing a leading role by producing electrical components.

Horner has said that Ford's return to F1 is "amazing", adding: "We feel really proud bringing the Ford oval back into Formula 1, and seeing the Ford logo back on our Formula 1 cars."

Horner then outlined a time frame for when F1 testing next year will commence. To facilitate the introduction of the all-new power units, F1 confirmed last year there would be three three-day tests before the 2026 campaign.

"It's going to be a really special moment that this time this week, in a year's time, we're going to see Red Bull Ford Power Trains powering two teams down the pit lane in Barcelona," said Horner.

F1 has turned to Bahrain in recent years for pre-season testing. Naturally, given the development process required, being on hand in Europe for the first test will make it easier for teams to replace parts should issues arise.

To date, Horner could not be happier by what he has seen from Ford, and their willingness to aid in whatever way it can with the Red Bull Power Trains programme.

"The passion, the determination that we're seeing from within Ford is inspiring," he said. "Anything that we've asked for, it's never been too much trouble. That, for us, is incredibly exciting.

"We're going up against some big opponents. We got Ferrari, we're taking on Mercedes, we're taking on Honda. GM are coming in - we won't see those guys!

"So it's going to be super competitive and I think at the end of the day, it's down to very much a people business, and we're so impressed with everybody that we're seeing and working with at Ford."