Christian Horner delivers F1 farewell as Red Bull EXIT confirmed

Red Bull

Horner delivers F1 farewell as Red Bull EXIT confirmed

Christian Horner has been Red Bull's F1 team principal since 2005

Originally written by Sheona Mountford. This version is a translation.

Wednesday 12 February 2025 21:00

Red Bull boss Christian Horner has delivered a farewell statement after a major exit has been confirmed at the Formula 1 team.

Horner took up the role as team principal at the age of 31 when the outfit joined the sport in 2005, making him the youngest principal in the history of the sport.

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Since then, the team have gone through major changes as the sport evolves, with a new wave of regulations set to sweep through F1 in 2026 with multiple changes on the horizon as a result.

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A huge change for Red Bull is that their partnership with Honda is coming to an end, and as a result, their role as the team's power unit developer.

Following Honda’s split with McLaren in 2017, the Japanese manufacturer went on to supply power units for Red Bull team, Toro Rosso, and partnered both outfits in 2019.

Honda have enjoyed four years of F1 championship success with Red Bull

Horner issues statement over Honda power unit difficulties

Despite a move to a new team, Honda have revealed their concern with their 2026 power unit, claiming that everything has been ‘very difficult’, suggesting its engine programme was behind the curve.

Following this revelation from Honda, Horner has issued a statement on Honda’s difficulties as he prepares to see out the final year of their partnership.

Christian Horner believes Honda will be competitive after the 2026 changes in 2026

"It is a big challenge, I mean they disbanded their project and then restarted it again," Horner said to the media.

"They may well have lost a little bit of time through that, but they're a very capable company and they've got great strength.

"I am sure they'll have a competitive power unit come 2026."

Red Bull will not be alone in their new power unit operations, with the team partnering Ford, who will help them create their engine supply for both them and their sister team, Racing Bulls.

Red Bull Max Verstappen Lewis Hamilton McLaren Christian Horner Honda