MILTON KEYNES, England – Following Honda’s decision to exit Formula One as an engine manufacturer at the end of the season, Red Bull has reached an agreement with Honda Motor Co Ltd to operate the Honda F-1 engine program beginning in 2022.
The announcement follows the FIA’s introduction of a Formula One engine development freeze that takes effect from the beginning next year. The Red Bull/Honda agreement covers the duration of the development freeze, enabling the use of Honda engine technology at both Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri until the next generation engines are introduced in 2025.
A new company, Red Bull Powertrains Limited, has been formed to oversee this project. This new division will be housed and operated from Red Bull Racing’s F1 Team base on the Red Bull Technology Campus in Milton Keynes.
“We have been discussing this topic with Honda for some time and following the FIA’s decision to freeze power unit development from 2022, we could at last reach an agreement regarding the continued use of Honda’s hybrid power units,” said Red Bull Motorsport Advisor Dr. Helmut Marko. “We are grateful for Honda’s collaboration in this regard and for helping to ensure that both Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri continue to have competitive power units. The establishment of Red Bull Powertrains Limited is a bold move by Red Bull but it is one we have made after careful and detailed consideration. We are aware of the huge commitment required but we believe the creation of this new company is the most competitive option for both teams.”
“This agreement represents a significant step for Red Bull in its Formula One journey,” said Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner. “We were understandably disappointed when Honda made the decision to leave the sport as an engine manufacturer, as our relationship yielded immediate success, but we are grateful for their support in facilitating this new agreement. Honda has invested significantly in hybrid technology to ensure the supply of competitive power units to both teams. We now begin the work of bringing the power unit division in-house and integrating the new facilities and personnel into our Technology Campus. In the meantime, we are fully focused on achieving the best possible results in what will be Honda’s final season as an official power unit supplier.”