Red Bull PU move 'biggest commitment to F1' in team's history - Horner

Christian Horner has described the decision taken by Red Bull to manufacture its own power units represents "the biggest commitment to F1" in the team's history.

Red Bull announced in mid-February that a new company, Red Bull Powertrains Ltd, was being created to oversee the Honda power unit from the end of this season when the Japanese manufacturer leaves the sport.

From a newly created base near Red Bull's headquarters in Milton Keynes, Honda will continue to assist the team with development and maintenance into next year before a freeze kicks in for three seasons from 2023.

Beyond that, when a new power unit is introduced into F1 from 2026, Red Bull has a major decision to make on whether it develops its own system and has its destiny in its own hands or whether it again becomes beholden to a supplying manufacturer.

Describing the formation of Red Bull Powertrains as "a hugely important addition to Red Bull’s Formula 1 portfolio", speaking via his column on the team website, Horner added: "It is bold and brave and probably the biggest commitment Red Bull have made to F1 since the team started in 2004.

"By becoming a power unit manufacturer, initially with Honda technology, Red Bull will be bringing that operation to our campus, so it will be fully integrated into the site and the building work starts in April.

"We are under no illusions about the enormity of this new venture, but we are ready for the challenge and will apply the same dedication that we have on the chassis side.

"We have enjoyed a great partnership with Honda but with them leaving the sport at the end of this season, we had a decision to make and now the work must begin."

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