Horner dismisses Red Bull concerns over possible Mercedes F1 advantage

Christian Horner admits the launch of Mercedes engines for the 2026 F1 season is an ambitious move but “will pay off in the long run”.

Horner and Red Bull enjoyed a dream F1 season with the Milton Keynes team. Only a Carlos Sainz-like deficit in Singapore, where he won 21 of 22 Grands Prix, prevented the Constructors’ Champion from a landslide victory in 2023.

It will be hard to stop their dominance over the next two seasons, but all eyes will be on 2026 and the introduction of new motorcycle regulations to the sport. Red Bull will develop and race its own engine after the 2025 season, preparing to take on the giants of the industry.

Horner admits it will be a difficult task but believes Red Bull are in good shape to take on the challenge with great success. “We have invested in the UK, together with our partners and Ford, to bring the engine shop to our campus.

“We now have a factory, state-of-the-art facilities and approximately 500 employees working on the 2026 engines. “But if we start from scratch and fight Mercedes, Ferrari, Honda, Renault and Audi, which we are looking forward to doing, it is a bold move, even if we believe it will pay off in the long term. period