P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Honda is set to partner with Aston Martin for 2026, but Christian Horner is sure Red Bull’s current partner will be able to succeed.
Christian Horner has addressed concerns that Honda has about their 2026 F1 engine project, admitting that they are facing challenges in the process. The upcoming 2026 power units will see upgraded electrical systems, removal of the MGU-H, and the switch to fully sustainable fuels, marking the most significant change since the introduction of turbo hybrids in 2014. Honda joined forces with Red Bull in 2019, following a year with Toro Rosso, leading to Max Verstappen winning the 2021 drivers’ title before the manufacturer withdrew temporarily. While Honda has re-entered F1, they are now partnering with Aston Martin, while Red Bull runs their own in-house units under the Red Bull Powertrains arm, developed with Honda. Horner defended Honda amidst reports of their engine program setbacks, acknowledging the challenges they face but expressing confidence in their capabilities to deliver a competitive power unit by 2026. Red Bull’s endeavor to build their own engine in collaboration with Ford is described by Horner as a significant but promising challenge, emphasizing the importance of taking the right steps in the highly competitive F1 landscape.
