F1: Christian Horner Opens Up about Potential McLaren Engine Deal with Red Bull

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown did visit Red Bull's facility in February, adding fuel to the fire, and McLaren's recent hire of top Red Bull designer Rob Marshall gave rise to speculation that this was just the beginning of a much larger partnership between the two companies.

By Divyam Dubey | on June 14, 2023 Follow us on Autox Google News

Christian Horner, the team principal of Red Bull, has said categorically that engine cooperation with McLaren is not in the works at this time. Red Bull Powertrains and Ford have agreed to combine for the 2026 Formula One season and beyond, while Honda will make their return to the sport with Aston Martin. As a result, Aston Martin will end their partnership with Mercedes as their engine supplier, and McLaren may consider doing the same in their pursuit of Formula 1 supremacy. After spending the 2023 season with Red Bull, British engineer Rob Marshall will switch teams and join McLaren for the 2024 campaign. There was talk of a possible engine deal to go along with the Rob Marshall McLaren deal.

Also Read: F1: Red Bull’s Latest RB19 Design Tweaks Takes Inspiration from Williams FW44

F1: McLaren's Rob Marshall Move

Rob Marshall

Marshall, formerly the chief designer at Red Bull, will be joining McLaren as its technical director of engineering and design at the beginning of next year, the team announced in advance of the Spanish Grand Prix. McLaren has launched a massive hiring push, including his hiring, in preparation for the arrival of a new wind tunnel and simulator in the near future. McLaren has had a rough start to the 2023 season due to the underwhelming performance of the MCL60, but the team is working tirelessly to make benefits in the short term and long term.

The departure of previous technical director James Key, who has since joined Sauber, prompted McLaren to not only hire Marshall but also to undertake a substantial reorganisation of its technical department. The team is certain that their new strategy, which has three experts in design (Marshall), aerodynamics (Peter Prodromou), and vehicle concept (David Sanchez), will help them produce a superior vehicle.

Also Read: F1: Alfa Romeo Hires James Key as Technical Director, to Lead Sauber into Audi Era

F1: Red Bull Powertrains

Red Bull Powertrains

Christian Horner, the team manager for Red Bull, has revealed that the organisation has two potential buyers for engines after the 2026 F1 season. The defending F1 world champions established a new agreement with Ford at the start of the 2023 season to create their own engines beginning in 2026. Since this is the case, the Austrian-British team will be supplying power units to a few of the client teams.

It's hard to argue that placing your faith in RBPT at this point isn't far too risky. The squad is making its maiden venture into power unit manufacture and will go up against such heavy hitters like Mercedes and others.

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Tags: F1 McLaren Red Bull Red Bull Powertrains Rob Marshall Christian Horner Formula 1 Red Bull F1 Engines 2026

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