Horner reveals F1 2026 power unit approaches

Christian Horner says Red Bull has already been approached by "various parties" to supply power units when the F1 power unit regulations are overhauled in 2026.

As Formula 1 ushers in a new era with sweeping changes to the rulebook, for both engines and chassis, the Milton Keynes team will be bringing power unit production in-house for the first time.

With Honda moving to partner Aston Martin and Red Bull unable to reach terms with Porsche, who wanted to purchase a stake in the team, the reigning constructors' champions struck a deal with Ford.

It is a strategic partnership that will see the Ford name re-enter F1 for the first time in over two decades, and Horner admits it is already garnering interest from others throughout the paddock.

However, for now, the focus is on providing for Red Bull and RB, even though there is room for two customer deals with other teams.

"We have already been approached by various parties," the 50-year-old said in Motorsport.nl. "But our focus at the moment is completely on the two Red Bull teams, because we want to learn to walk before we run.

"If something comes up later, we are open to the right partner. With the facilities we have here, we can supply engines to four teams. That is not a problem in terms of supply. In the future, as I said, we are open to that, but in the short term our focus is on both Red Bull teams."

The American car giant were set to only contribute electrical parts to the 2026 engine, according to Ford motorsport chairman Mark Rushbrook (also on Motorsport.nl), but that remit has since expanded to the turbo and test equipment.

Rushbrook also revealed that he approached Horner when it became apparent the Porsche deal was not a viable solution for Red Bull.

Red Bull and Ford are meeting internal targets but admit there is still no reference point to what other teams and power unit manufacturers are able to achieve.

By bringing the entire operation under one roof, Red Bull will become only the second team in F1 to have both its chassis and power unit development across one site, as confirmed by Horner.

"We are now taking our destiny completely into our own hands, the Red Bull team principal added.

"Apart from Ferrari, we are the only team in Formula 1 that has its engine and chassis departments on the same site by 2026. Even Mercedes has two different sites."