Christian Horner says a deal between Red Bull and Porsche collapsed because the two brands “don’t fit together”.
On Friday, the German manufacturer released a statement confirming both sides had mutually agreed to end talks about a collaboration for Formula 1’s new power unit regulations in 2026.
And in response, Horner began by making it clear the failure to find an agreement had no bearing on Red Bull’s future plans.
“It was agreed it was not the right thing for Red Bull’s involvement in Formula 1,” he told Motorsport-Total.com.
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“A little more than one and a half years ago, we committed ourselves to becoming an engine manufacturer. We’ve invested massively in the factory and staff, and the first Red Bull engine was fired up for the first time a month ago.
“This is a hugely exciting next chapter for Red Bull and the plan was never dependent on an external partner or car manufacturer coming in.”
In recent weeks, Horner was steadfast that any collaboration with Porsche must have no impact on how Red Bull has operated since starting in F1 in 2005.
However: “Porsche is a great brand but the DNA is quite different. During the talks, it became clear that strategically we don’t fit together,” he continued.
“Red Bull has demonstrated what it’s capable of in Formula 1. As an independent team and now engine manufacturer, we are looking forward to competing against the car manufacturers with our own powertrain and chassis.
“We are fully focused on the Red Bull power unit. If there’s a like-minded partner who can contribute something to this project, then of course we would consider that. But it’s not a basic requirement.”
Just over a month ago, a deal appeared as good as done when documents lodged in Morocco indicated a 10-year collaboration had been agreed with Porsche buying a 50% stake in Red Bull Technologies, the company that includes all their F1 operations.
But in their statement, the German brand said that an “equal footing” “could not be achieved” with Red Bull.
“Big organisations, obviously they need significant planning,” Horner claimed. “And I think perhaps, they were slightly getting a little bit ahead of themselves.
“But there was never a binding commitment signed between the parties. That must have been subjective on their part.”
It was also suggested that there was a split within Red Bull, with owner Dietrich Mateschitz open to a 50-50 partnership with Porsche, while team boss Horner and motorsport advisor Helmut Marko were not.
And the speculation even went so far as claims Horner himself could be replaced by McLaren F1 team boss Andreas Seidl as part of a Porsche buy-in.
“There are always wild rumours in this paddock,” the Briton responded via GPFans.
“I recently made a commitment to this team in the long-term and indeed any discussions we have had have been contingent upon the management structure being the same, which has always been fully accepted.
“So I don’t really need to comment on speculation.”