Christian Horner has shed some light on the reasons behind the collapse of Red Bull's planned partnership with German carmaker Porsche.
The Stuttgart-based brand had made it clear it wanted to get involved in Formula 1, and not just as an engine supplier. The plan had been to enter a 50/50 partnership with Red Bull and have a large say in how the team is run going forward.
But though talks were at a very advanced stage not so long ago, the deal is now dead. Porsche confirmed the proposed partnership's collapse in a statement on Friday in which the carmaker said that talks had fully broken down – but that it will still seek to enter the sport if the right opportunity presents itself.
"The premise was always that a partnership would be based on an equal footing, which would include not only an engine partnership but also the team," the firm said. "This could not be achieved. With the finalised rule changes, the racing series nevertheless remains an attractive environment for Porsche, which will continue to be monitored."
Explaining in more detail about why the two sides had failed to strike a deal, Red Bull team principal Horner cited differences in strategy between the parties. "It was agreed it was not the right thing for Red Bull’s involvement in Formula 1," he told Motorsport-total .
"A little more than one and a half years ago, we committed ourselves to becoming a drive 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. [It would only have happened] if it would have fitted our DNA and our long-term strategy. It was never a financial discussion.
"Porsche is a great brand but the DNA is quite different. During the talks it became clear that strategically we don't fit together. Red Bull has demonstrated what it's capable of in F1. 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."
