Honda’s ‘information war’ with Red Bull over F1 engine development ahead of 2026 split

Honda and Red Bull are undergoing an “information war” over their F1 engine development as their relationship heads towards an eventual split. 
Honda’s ‘information war’ with Red Bull over F1 engine development

⭕Red Bull is set to team up with American car giant Ford from 2026, ꦆwhile Honda will become the official engine partner for the Aston Martin team at the same time. 

The Japanese engin🍸e manufacturer currently supplies both Red Bull and their sister team AlphaTauri and th𓆉e two parties maintain a strong working relationship. 

🐻But with a separation looming in the not-too-distant future, the nature of their part🍨nership is evolving. 

“Red Bull doesn’t tell us anything ab🍷out their engine, and we don’t say anything to them about our development,” Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe told Dutch publication.

“So there is already a kind of information war going on at the moment. At Red Bull, they do have some knowledge about our current engine but, ultimately, we are responsible for the develop💛ment and the whole process.

“Most of the knowledge is with us.

“Until 2025, I hope Red Bull wins everything. And from 2026, we will hopefully be 🙈their biggest competitor. Building a completely new engine is a hug💝e challenge, but our goal is also to win a championship in the next era.”

Max Verstappen (NLD), Red Bull Racing Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Qualifying
Max Verstappen (NLD), Red Bull Racing Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix…

Watanabe also promised that Honda’s power unit will be improv꧂ed for 2024 despite an engine freeze, ✱in an ominous warning to Red Bull’s rivals. 

“In terms of power and performance, we🍰 may not improve anything, but in other areas, we can make strides even with this engine,” he added. 

“At Ferrari, for example, they have developed the engine considerably and Mercede♊s’ ERS system is also very strong.

“We will also improve our engine for🐭 next year in terms of its longevity. So there is definitely something in the pipeline."

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