However, Horner stressed that the Detroit giant is not interfering with the business and is letting the Milton Keynes engineering team get on with the job.
Ford is backing the new power unit currently being created for the future rules at Red Bull’s impressive new facility in Milton Keynes, having taken up an opportunity originally offered to and rejected by Porsche.
The manufacturer's backing has ensured that Red Bull doesn’t have to absorb the full cost of the programme.
“I think the team has outgrown being a customer,” said Horner. “I mean, we've enjoyed a great relationship with Honda, where we've been treated as a works team, but we paid every penny of the engine bill and will continue to do so until the end of ‘25.
“So, rather than paying somebody else to do it, we thought we may as well direct that funding internally.
“And then a partnership with Ford has effectively halved that burden to the shareholders. And, within a cost cap environment, it then starts to make real sense.”
Horner indicated that Ford's experience in electric vehicle technology will prove valuable to the F1 project.
Source: Autosport