The intricate business of Formula 1 often brings us many disappointments but also brings us plenty of surprises as well. Red Bull Powertrains brought us a surprise at the launch of their 2023 challenger. The Milton Keynes-based outfit revealed Ford Motor as their partner from 2026 onwards and caught the entire world by surprise. Now, the team boss Christian Horner has finally given some explanation for the surprise announcement.

We are all aware Red Bull was in advanced talks to partner with automobile powerhouse Volkswagen’s franchise Porsche. However, the deal collapsed due to disagreement over various reasons. This is exactly why Red Bull, with complete anonymity, found a partner in Ford for 2026. Horner explains why while talking to the media at the launch event.

“We’ve had an incredible partnership with Honda and when they initially announced their withdrawal from Formula 1 in 2020, it was with great sadness and that’s what prompted the creation of Red Bull Powertrains, to take control for our own future,” Horner explained.

Honda’s decision to leave the sport in 2020 caught Red Bull off guard and set them on a path to produce their own engines. However, the Milton Keynes team decided to give their $53 billion worth partner Ford a bit of the cherry.

“Now with an OEM partner like Ford our paths are different for the 2026 season,” he concluded.

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However, the Milton Keynes outfit will work closely with Honda till 2025. Until then, the team with Honda would hopefully build on their success and end on a high.

The boss did, however, give some insight into the deal with Ford in the same press conference.

Red Bull boss gives a brief run-through on the Ford deal

Porsche wanted a 50% stake in Red Bull’s Formula 1 brand, which led to the collapse of the deal. So even though the surprise announcement did not reveal a lot of information on Red Bull’s deal with Ford, Horner did divulge some information.

“This is a purely commercial and technical deal, so there is no exchange of any shares or participation within the business,” Horner revealed. “And then on the commercial side with Ford being so prevalent in the US, as a commercial partner it enables us to help achieve even more penetration in that market.”

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Horner also revealed Red Bull will be taking advantage of Ford’s R&D in the EV sector.

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Apart from the commercial side of it, the penetration in the hottest continent in the F1 world, the US, will definitely be a big boost for Red Bull. Exciting new teams and partnerships coming to the sport in 2026.