Red Bull "too grown up to be a customer team" - Christian Horner

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Red Bull "too grown up to be a customer team" - Horner

Red Bull will maintain Honda engine from 2022

Ian Parkes

Saturday 20 February 2021 10:45

Christian Horner believes Red Bull has matured enough to take on the responsibility of maintaining its own power units.

Current supplier Honda is to withdraw from Formula 1 at the end of this year, but in the wake of an engine freeze recently being announced, Red Bull will continue with the Japanese manufacturer's system for three years prior to the introduction of a new PU from 2025.

With the implementation of Red Bull Powertrains Limited, there is the scope for the team to build its own engine once the regulations have been finalised for 2025 and onwards.

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Asked as to the significance of the freeze, and whether there was a danger Red Bull would have withdrawn from F1 if it had not been implemented, Horner replied: "It is always difficult to quantify.

"Obviously, we have agreements and commitments, but the appetite would have been much diminished."

Ahead of what will be its 17th season, and after working with Cosworth, Ferrari, Renault and Honda over the years, Horner added: “Red Bull is almost too grown up to be a customer team.

"We saw that it could be uneasy and, of course, the aspirations of this team surpass that of some of the current suppliers.

“What we have experienced with Honda has been a fantastic partnership and relationship. It’s a shame it comes to a premature end at the end of this year.

"We’ve had two successful and enjoyable seasons so far, and we’re determined to have a competitive and enjoyable final season in Formula 1.

"But I think this really does allow Red Bull to very much take control of its own future and destiny by this move with the powertrain and the establishment of this company and commitment.

“I think it’s safeguarded the commitment of Red Bull to Formula 1 for the foreseeable future.”