Helmut Marko reveals why Red Bull’s potential Porsche partnership fell through in favor of Ford

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko claimed that Red Bull's potential partnership with Porsche did not work out as the two entities could not agree on share prices. The Austrian team had made a bold decision to set up their own power trains facility after Honda decided to leave at the end of the 2021 season.

The Japanese manufacturer's call left the Milton-Keynes outfit without a power unit for the new engine regulations in the 2026 season. The discussions with other rival teams fell through as well.

The German automotive giant Porsche then swooped in to help the team set up the engine side but the partnership never solidified due to the 50/50 asked by the former.. Speaking with GrandPrix247, Marko revealed (via Motorsportweek):

“To make our own F1 engine was a brave decision, and also a very costly one. First, that we can do it alone. And secondly, about the costs. When Porsche came around, from a marketing point of view, they would have been the ideal partner. In the end, it didn’t work out because we had different views.

"How it should work and if it was a 50/50 partnership it was never going to be easy. After the decision not to go with Porsche, we found in Ford a very good partner who didn’t want to interfere in the racing details because there we are better."

Red Bull advisor provides an insight into their partnership with Ford

American automotive giant Ford and Red Bull began their partnership at the beginning of the 2023 season with the former providing crucial knowledge about the battery side of the engine.

As quoted by the aforementioned source, the Austrian reflected that Ford also provided the power unit facility with financial backing:

“So we have a partnership where Ford can provide some knowledge and know-how. For example, maybe on the battery side and so on. But they just support and of course financial backing. So it’s a good cooperation. At the moment we are on plan with our engine program."

The 81-year-old also provided an update regarding the progress of the division and pointed out that "everything is on time". But he was aware that new engine rules were a hurdle for them as the sport would use "50% electrical 50% combustion" along with "100% e-fuel" with the final regulations still not completely chalked up by the FIA.

Despite embarking on a new journey, Red Bull have revealed that they have been able to hit the targets set out regarding the power unit division so far.