Christian Horner has revealed that senior Red Bull figures contacted him to express their gratitude following the team's first Formula 1 victory with its own power unit, admitting that the conversation with CEO Oliver Mintzlaff was very different from their previous exchange.

The former Red Bull team principal played a key role in establishing Red Bull Powertrains, the division responsible for developing the team's engines in partnership with Ford. Despite leaving the Milton Keynes-based outfit in July 2025, Horner remains closely associated with the project, which began during his time in charge.

Red Bull's new power unit secured its maiden victory at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, where Max Verstappen claimed his first win of the 2026 season. The Dutchman followed that result with another triumph in Singapore, marking a significant milestone for the engine programme.

Horner reveals Red Bull's gesture following engine success

Speaking at the Autosport Business Exchange conference in New York, Horner explained how much the achievement meant to him, particularly given the work involved in developing the power unit from scratch.

"It was an appreciated gesture, seeing that engine and knowing what went into it, the sweat and tears along the way. For all the men and women involved, it was an incredible, incredible achievement. And their 16th attempt to win a grand prix, which is very hard at the best of times.

Photo: Race Pictures

"I was very grateful to both the shareholders who reached out, and Oliver Mintzlaff who reached out to thank me as well. It was quite a different call than I had from him 15 months earlier."

The final remark was a reference to Horner's departure from Red Bull in July 2025, when he was removed from his position as team principal after two decades at the helm. Laurent Mekies subsequently took over the role, while Horner's involvement with the organisation came to an end.

Horner's role in creating Red Bull Powertrains

The engine project was launched following Honda's announcement in 2020 that it would withdraw from Formula 1. Red Bull subsequently decided to establish its own powertrain division rather than continue relying entirely on an external manufacturer.

Horner was instrumental in that decision, overseeing the creation of Red Bull Powertrains and the recruitment of personnel required to develop a competitive engine under the regulations introduced for 2026. The programme also brought Ford back into Formula 1 through a technical partnership with Red Bull, with the American manufacturer supporting the development of the new power unit.

Horner left the team before the engine made its competitive debut, but the victories in Malaysia and Singapore provided the first tangible reward for a project initiated under his leadership. The calls from Red Bull's shareholders and Mintzlaff also marked a notable moment in his relationship with the organisation following his dismissal.