Red Bull Racing’s F1 team principal Christian Horner says the latest pull from Mercedes to bolster its F1 engine project is a clear “statement” of its ambition.
Consistent with its massive investment in the F1 team, Red Bull is heavily committed to designing and manufacturing its own F1 power unit for the next generation of F1 regulations in 2026.
The new Red Bull Powertrains division is already operational and the team has brought together high-profile figures from Mercedes to advance plans ahead of a possible partnership with Porsche.
This included new technical director Ben Hodgkinson, who has been head of mechanical engineering for Mercedes F1’s engine division, High Performance Powertrains, since 2017 after 20 years at Mercedes.
It also recently signed Phil Preew, perhaps best known as the race engineer who won Lewis Hamilton’s first F1 World Championship with McLaren in 2008.
Phil Preew, who was chief engineer at Mercedes’ F1 power unit division in Brixworth, has had a long career in F1, including more than 20 years at McLaren.
In addition, it is expected that Nigel McKinley, the leader of the thermal fluid simulation team, will also transfer to Red Bull, as well as Phil Prew, who recently pulled out of Mercedes F1.
Regarding talent acquisition, particularly the signing of Phil Preew, Red Bull Racing’s F1 team principal Christian Horner said the team’s F1 engine ambitions are very clear with the talent it has brought on board.
“I am delighted to have Phil join the team,” said Horner.
“He has an incredible track record and has been a key factor in Mercedes’ recent success.”
“It’s one of the manifestations of where we want to go with the power unit. I think we’ve gathered a lot of strength and depth in our business. To see it really come together. It’s wonderful.”
“Phil is one of the few significant recent signings to add to the extremely talented group of people we have already assembled.”
Red Bull is nearing a deal with Porsche in F1, but the partnership won’t be officially confirmed until the FIA finalizes the 2026 F1 engine regulations. This is expected to happen at some point during the summer holidays.
Christian Horner says the direction of Red Bull’s F1 powertrain division is simply focused on trying to deliver the best engine possible no matter what happens in 2026.
“We’re just recruiting the best people for the future,” added Horner.
