Red Bull rebrands engine division as new details emerge on Horner's dismissal

Red Bull has officially rebranded its in-house engine project for the 2026 season, dropping 'Powertrains' from its name in favor of a simplified 'Red Bull Ford' identity. Concurrently, fresh details have surfaced regarding the team's decision to part ways with long-time team principal Christian Horner in the summer of 2025, with leadership citing the need for a new chapter after a challenging start to the season.

Why it matters:

The name change solidifies the partnership with Ford and marks a definitive step in Red Bull's evolution from a pure racing team to a full-fledged power unit manufacturer. Meanwhile, the insights into Horner's departure provide a clearer picture of the internal dynamics and performance pressures that led to one of the most significant managerial changes in recent F1 history, signaling a strategic shift for the reigning champions.

The details:

• The engine project, previously known as Red Bull Powertrains and then Red Bull Powertrains-Ford, will now be called simply Red Bull Ford starting in 2026.
• This power unit will be supplied to both the Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls (formerly AlphaTauri) teams.
• The move coincides with Honda's new works partnership with Aston Martin, finalizing the 2026 engine supplier landscape.
• Regarding Horner's exit, Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff explained the decision was driven by the team's performance lag behind McLaren early in the 2025 season.
• Mintzlaff emphasized the decision was not taken lightly, acknowledging Horner's historic success, but stated the organization felt it was "time to turn the page and start a new chapter."
• He described the move as a necessary step for a "professional organisation" that cannot "keep leaning on history."

What's next:

The 2026 season will be the ultimate test of Red Bull's new direction on multiple fronts. The rebranded Red Bull Ford power unit must prove competitive against established manufacturers like Mercedes and Ferrari, while the post-Horner leadership, now led by Laurent Mekies, must guide the team with four-time champion Max Verstappen and new teammate Isack Hadjar through a new regulatory era and maintain its competitive edge.