Horner underlines 'huge risk' of Red Bull 'start-up company' change

Christian Horner has explained the advantages Red Bull is already deriving from having its entire operation "under one roof" after bringing its power unit production in house.

The 51-year-old does, however, acknowledge the "huge risks associated" with becoming an F1 engine manufacturer, a project which the Milton Keynes-based squad has undertaken ahead of the 2026 regulations changes.

In doing so, Red Bull joins Ferrari as the only outfits in F1 to have every aspect of its team and car situated on one campus.

Softening the impact of the significant shift in approach for the six-time F1 constructors' champions is the cover provided by the considerable rules overhaul, which will see major changes to power units, chassis and aerodynamics.

"'26 is a reset for everyone," Horner pointed out to media including RacingNews365 when asked if the upcoming F1 regulations rewrite was a step into the unknown.

"Of course, for us, bringing in our own power units, there's huge risks associated with that.

"But there's also upsides between the integration, between the two worlds. We're the only team, other than Ferrari, to have everything on one campus under one roof.

"And we're already seeing the synergy between engine engineers and designers and chassis designers."

Red Bull must not 'underestimate the challenge'

The Red Bull team principal likened the fledging Red Bull PowerTrains (RBPT) operation to a "start-up company", something he is clear there should be no complacency over.

Nonetheless, Horner remains confident it has all the personnel and resources required to succeed from the outset of F1's new era.

"Now, of course, you should not underestimate the challenge of taking a start-up company with a clean sheet of paper, literally four years ago, to take on Mercedes and Ferrari and the other manufacturers involved," the Briton said.

"But we believe we've assembled a great group of people. We've got fantastic facilities and that [taking on Mercedes and Ferrari] obviously has to be the target.

"2026 will come around before we know it, but we believe we're well positioned."