Red Bull say their push to become a fully independent Formula 1 constructor has taken a "huge step forward" after their powertrains department struck an agreement with industrial assembly solutions provider Atlas Copco. The team will continue to run Honda power units – albeit under the Red Bull Powertrains name – until the end of the 2024 season, when they will begin to manufacture their own in-house-built engines. In the meantime, Red Bull are assembling a base for their powertrains department in Milton Keynes, and have now enlisted the support of Atlas Copco in what has been described as a "huge step forward" for the process. Atlas Copco will play a central role in equipping the new factory where future F1 engines will be designed and assembled, the team have confirmed in a press release. The Swedish company will also supply the team with 'ToolsNet8 data collection software' and the 'STR digital smart wrench', which will be used to disassemble the power unit after use.
Horner: This will make us faster and more efficient
Celebrating the news, Red Bull boss Christian Horner said that the partnership will "undoubtedly" make his team "faster, smarter and more efficient" in the lead up to 2024. "A little over a year ago, we embarked on a remarkable journey – to become the first fully independent complete constructor on the current F1 grid, manufacturing both chassis and power unit," Horner explained. "It is an enormous but hugely exciting undertaking and one that requires like-minded allies that share our vision for pushing the boundaries of technology, rapid innovation and smart production. "Atlas Copco has great heritage in that regard and is right at the forefront of the industry’s data-driven revolution. "Our partnership with a world leader such as Atlas Copco will undoubtedly help us to make our journey faster, smarter and more efficient – all qualities that an F1 team prizes above all else."
Potential Porsche partnership much speculated
As Red Bull continue to push towards becoming fully independent by 2024, speculation that they could soon strike a deal with German car brand Porsche mounts. On Monday, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem met with Porsche CEO Oliver Blume to discuss, amongst other topics, the car brand's future commitment to motorsport. Red Bull have been heavily linked with a Porsche partnership, described as "logical" by Horner in Miami. The meeting between Ben Sulayem and Blume came with talks ongoing between VW Group, who control Porsche, and the FIA.
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