Partnering with Porsche must not alter Red Bull's "DNA" in Formula 1, Christian Horner says.

Now that the 2026 power unit regulations have finally been approved, it's a matter of 'when' not 'if' the tie-up between the German manufacturer and Milton Keynes-based outfit will be confirmed.

In fact, the first details of the proposed partnership were revealed last month in a filing with Morocco's Conseil de la Concurrence, one of several governmental authorities who must approve the merger.

But commenting on what a Red Bull-Porsche team would look like, Horner made it clear little would really change.

“A company like Porsche, it’s an enormous company, great heritage, phenomenal brand. So, of course, there are attractions to that,” the Red Bull team boss said.

“But any partnership would have to fit with the Red Bull philosophy, obviously, the DNA, the culture of who we are, how we go racing and what we’ve achieved. 

“It would be absolutely fundamental to any discussion of not changing that, you know.  We’re successful for a reason, and of course, in any discussion that would be conditional on any involvement.”

When the tie-up is announced it will confirm Porsche's first foray into F1 since 1991 with Footwork, but whereas that only lasted one year, Horner made it clear any partnership with Red Bull would be long-term.

“There’s plenty of speculation about this, but we’re really only at a discussion stage and there are so many caveats based on regulations that are the fundamental part,” he said.

“I think Red Bull has demonstrated its commitment to Formula 1, its longevity in the sport, initially as a sponsor and then as a team owner and then as a double team owner and then as a promoter with a circuit and so on. 

“And I think anything that we look at is very much with the long term in mind. We’re not looking at a short-term solution. 

“Strategically, it would have to fit obviously, within the long-term plans that the Red Bull has for its commitment in Formula 1.”