Horner clarifies Red Bull F1 engine plans

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has confirmed that 2022 will be a “transition year” for his drive department, in which the engines will continue to be built in Japan.

After Honda announced that the 2021 season would be the last in F1, Red Bull signed a deal that will allow the company to continue using technology from the Japanese manufacturer in its new powertrain division.

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When asked to clarify the details of the team’s production schedule for the next year, Horner said, “We’re in the process of finalizing the details and obviously ’22 will be a transition year as we prepare within the Red Bull powertrains.

“So we’re working with Honda on a soft landing where the engines will continue to be assembled in Sakura in 2022 before this process begins in our new plant in time for 2023.”

He confirmed that Red Bull will be completely self-sufficient by 2023, adding: “With the current engine, yes, but we are of course waiting with interest to see what comes out of the engine discussion for 2025 or even 2026.”

Horner’s comments were in line with those of Honda F1 Technical Director Toyoharu Tanabe, who said, “Yes. Red Bull and Honda have been working on this project and then how to proceed with this transition for next year.”

“I can’t give any details, but in general we are moving in a good direction and should then prepare well for next year. Now we are working very hard, I am working very hard on the track.”

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With a sizable gap between the team and Mercedes now growing in the Constructors’ Championship, Horner was asked when the team will decide it’s comfortable enough to shift focus to its 2022 efforts.

“I think in Abu Dhabi!” joked Horner.

“I think you have to go race after race week after week and I think the team is doing a great job to meet the challenges of this year and next.

“It’s nothing new. A lot is being made of it right now, we’ve had big regulatory changes in the past so all you have to do is balance your resources and apply them to what is needed most.

“I think the team is working incredibly hard, extremely well and effectively.”