Red Bull prepping for Aston Martin F1 announcement?

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Red Bull Racing's Christian Horner dropped a clue yesterday on who could be powering the Milton Keynes team in the future.

Speaking to Sky Sports after FP2 last night, Horner said a big announcement was forthcoming, and it didn't involve Porsche.

On the back of Red Bull's decision to switch junior team Toro Rosso to Honda power next season, and closely monitor the manufacturer's performance for its own benefit in 2019, the team has apparently been informed by engine partner Renault that it will no longer supply beyond next year.

Furthermore, Porsche's keen interest in returning to the F1 fray once the sport ushers in its new engine platform in 2021 has fueled speculation that it's partner of choice would be Red Bull.

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But Horner threw a spanner into the rumor mill yesterday.

"Paddock rumour is so great," Horner told Sky Sports.

"I think there will be another announcement soon, that won't be with Porsche. I'll leave you with that one to think about, but it won't be with Porsche."

Pushed on by Simon Lazenby to say more, Horner added another hint.

"We have a relationship with a motor manufacturer already. You haven't got to be a rocket scientist to work out what it is."

It's unclear however if Red Bull's work with Aston Martin on the brand's 'Valkyrie' supercar would lead to a full F1 engine collaboration.

It's also worth noting that Aston Martin enjoys a privileged relationship with Mercedes, which owns 5% of the luxury car company and supplies drivetrains and hybrid technology for Aston's road cars.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.