The Milton Keynes team had been working for several months to reach an agreement to partner with Porsche from 2026, joining forces with the arrival of the new power unit regulations.
However, and despite the fact that everything seemed to be done a few weeks ago, the latest rumors state that the talks have stalled due to some differences of opinion between Red Bull and Porsche on how the project should be, which implies a transfer of shares. .
In particular, it is understood that Red Bull wants to ensure that the team maintains absolute technical independence, as this has been one of its main strengths since coming to Formula 1.
Those outstanding issues have put a damper on original plans to join forces, but the Austrians aren’t worried about the situation, as they’re currently going ahead with their own engine project that was ultimately to become the Porsche power unit.
Speaking to Sky , Red Bull principal Christian Horner has made it clear that there are some important aspects of the negotiations where his team will not budge, so it is now up to the German manufacturer to accept the terms of the offer or backing out.
“They have to decide if they want to join us or not,” he said. “It would have to be, like I say, the way we look at racing.”
Horner explained that it is essential for Red Bull to maintain the independence that has allowed it to win multiple world titles in the highest category of motorsport.
“Red Bull has always been an independent team,” he said. “It’s been one of our strengths, it’s been the backbone of what we’ve achieved and our ability to move quickly at any time. It’s part of the DNA of who we are.”
“We are not an organization that works in a corporate way, and that is one of our strengths, the way we function as a racing team. And obviously it is an absolute requirement for the future.
The energy drink team intends to keep working on its 2026 engine for now, as Horner believes that if Porsche ‘s plans ultimately fall apart, there are other manufacturers that could still come on board.
“Any relationship with any manufacturer or partner would have to fit with Red Bull,” he said.
“We have a new chapter, an exciting new chapter that we are heading into with the power unit. We have some great talent that have joined the company. We are in good shape. Time will tell if we bring another partner to that program or We continue with the current plan, which is to continue on our own,” he concluded.
