P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Helmut Marko claims Red Bull ‘had no alternative’ to risky F1 move after unexpected U-turn
Red Bull’s former motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko, claimed the team had no alternative but to develop their own power units after Honda changed their plans to exit Formula 1. Honda left F1 in 2021 after helping Max Verstappen win his first drivers’ championship with Red Bull. This forced Red Bull to decide between finding a new engine supplier or starting their own power unit project, leading to the creation of Red Bull Powertrains. Although Honda later agreed to supply engines to Red Bull until 2025, Red Bull had already advanced their engine project significantly. Marko, who retired in 2025, acknowledged that Honda’s U-turn left Red Bull with no other choice but to pursue their engine project.
By partnering with Ford for the 2026 season, Red Bull will continue to rely on external support for their power units, delaying the full independence of Red Bull Powertrains. Marko expressed confidence in Red Bull’s ability to compete for victories with their own engines, stating that they had no choice but to proceed with their power unit project. However, the American automotive giants Ford will play a crucial role in Red Bull’s F1 campaign, ensuring their competitiveness in the challenging 2026 season.
