Red Bull’s switch to self-developed engines with Ford in 2026 introduces high stakes, as Dr. Marko acknowledges looming performance risks.
The shift to its own engine program in collaboration with Ford is a major risk for Red Bull, admits Dr. Helmut Marko. With the team’s factory Honda engine contract being transferred to Aston Martin at the start of the new regulatory cycle in 2026, Red Bull has decided to go independent.
Frédéric Vasseur and Renault CEO Luca de Meo have already acknowledged that Alpine’s engine personnel have been poached by Ferrari, but Auto Motor und Sport reports that two other engine manufacturers for 2026 are also seeking talent at Viry-Chatillon.
“According to our sources, Audi and Red Bull Powertrains have already made offers to Renault employees,” said AMuS correspondent Joel Lischka.
With Red Bull’s performance already declining, even during the Honda era, Marko admits that the team’s use of its own Red Bull Powertrains engines from 2026, co-developed with Ford, poses a risk. A further drop in performance could potentially cost the team Max Verstappen.
“Everyone knows that top drivers’ contracts have exit clauses, mostly performance-based,” Marko told motorsport-magazin.com. “For now, based on the information we have, everything is fine.”
“But with such a new project, elements like the battery and fuel can be real game-changers, so it’s hard to say where we stand. We can’t just assume that Mercedes or Ferrari will dominate, as we should also be competitive.”
“But as I said, those two factors can be decisive. And if the team or driver isn’t satisfied with certain aspects, it’s possible the driver could leave. For example, the decline after 2013 (and Sebastian Vettel’s departure, ed.) was also caused by new regulations.”
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Red Bull Faces Risky Engine Gamble with Ford in 2026 Red Bull Faces Risky Engine Gamble with Ford in 2026
