Horner: We need a responsible approach to the topic of engines

      Christian Horner spoke on Sky Sports about the main results of a meeting with the participation of the FIA, representatives of teams and engine builders, where the idea of returning to naturally aspirated V10 engines was discussed.

      Question: Can you tell us what was discussed at this meeting?Christian Horner: First of all, it should be emphasized that the meeting was convened at the initiative of the FIA, and it was a very sincere and productive exchange of views. The President of the Federation, Mohammed bin Sulayem, was interested in our views on what the next generation of engines should be.

      Of course, the regulations for 2026 have been approved, and everything is clear with it, but we were talking about a somewhat more distant future. About which trajectory of Formula 1 development would be the most correct.

      Question: What perspective are we talking about? About 2027? About 2028?Christian Horner: Definitely not about 2027, in 2028 the probability of changes is also minimal, but for now we are just trying to determine the prospects in general. Power plant manufacturers will prepare and share their ideas about this with the federation, after which the conversation will continue.

      Question: Red Bull has invested hundreds of millions in creating its own RBPT engine-building division, and together with other manufacturers, you are developing a new generation power plant. Of course, you don't want all these investments to be in vain. Would you support the idea of returning to naturally aspirated V10 engines?Christian Horner: We created RBPT based on the approved engine regulations, and no matter how the rules change in the future, we need to take into account the resources at our disposal. We have structured our entire business based on the adopted regulations and are enthusiastically preparing for 2026.

      It is approaching very quickly, by the standards of engine builders, it will come tomorrow, but we are moving forward dynamically and are pleased with the pace of progress. I understand that the romance of the roaring V10 engines seems quite attractive to Formula 1, but it is necessary to take a responsible approach in everything.

      First, we need to understand what the next-generation engine might look like. V10 or V8? What kind of electrical systems can it have? Today, issues related to the future and the general concept of such engines were discussed. Now all engine builders will share their views on the future with the FIA, and the federation will have to analyze all this.

      Question: Are all the teams ready to consider issues related to the long-term perspective, or are opinions still divided?Christian Horner: I think the teams, as usual, want to make some changes in the future that meet their own criteria. But ultimately, the decision will be made at the level of the FIA and Liberty Media, especially since we are not talking about a three- or four-year perspective, but about what Formula 1 will be like in the next 10 or 15 years.

      Question: Audi is coming to the championship, Honda remains in Formula 1, and it's clear that they are now asking themselves: what are all these projects for? After all, these companies have already spent a lot of money, and they are unlikely to support such ventures.…Christian Horner: So far, all the talk about the future is subjective and speculative. I think today's discussion was useful, its nature was quite frank, and the participants are open to discussing further prospects, focusing on the development trends of the entire automotive industry.

      In particular, it is necessary to take into account the possible consequences of those new customs tariffs, which are currently being discussed so much, and Formula 1 should also think about protecting its interests in some way.