F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Red Bull's future in F1 could depend on Honda - Marko

Red Bull motorsport boss Helmut Marko says the energy drink company could take its lead from Honda when it comes to deciding its future in F1 beyond 2020.

Like its rivals, Red Bull Racing is still waiting on Formula 1 and the FIA to publish a clear regulation platform for 2021 when the sport is scheduled to usher in a new era for Grand Prix racing.

Consequently, teams have no commercial agreement in place with Liberty Media, F1's commercial rights holder, to govern their involvement from 2021. A state of affairs that has prevented Red Bull from committing to the future.

"At the moment, no decision has been taken," Marko told Auto Motor und Sport's Michael Schmidt.

"We have no regulations, no agreement with the commercial rights holder, nothing. We are taking the same approach as Honda.

"We are hoping that, finally, there will be clarity, and if Honda decides to stay after 2020, we will provide them with everything they need to participate."

Based on the critical opinions of both Marko and team boss Christian Horner, Red Bull has never been a fan of Formula 1's V6 Hybrid turbo power units.

But Red Bull's elevation as a genuine works team this season with Honda - after a year of laying the ground work with Toro Rosso - has changed Marko's view on the sport's engine platform.

"We always opposed the hybrid engines, but Honda wants to continue to work with this engine," he said. We've changed our view because Honda is our supplier now.

"For the first time in 14 years, we are treated as a factory team, which of course creates a completely different situation."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.

Recent Posts

Las Vegas GP: Thursday's action in pictures

The opening day of running at the Las Vegas GP was a smooth but chilly…

1 hour ago

Williams' headaches persist into Vegas practice

Williams is continuing to fight uphill battles this weekend in Las Vegas as a knock-on…

2 hours ago

Ferrari's Sainz 'not satisfied with where we are' in Vegas

It was a solid start to the Las Vegas weekend for Ferrari with Carlos Sainz…

4 hours ago

Norris labels McLaren long-run pace ‘shocking’ in chilly Vegas

Lando Norris didn’t hold back in his assessment of McLaren’s performance on the opening day…

5 hours ago

Hamilton delighted with ‘consistently strong day’ in Vegas

Lewis Hamilton was particularly happy with his opening day of running at the Las Vegas…

6 hours ago

Verstappen stuck with 'draggy' rear wing for Vegas

Red Bull fears that its prospects for this weekend's Las Vegas Grand Prix - which…

7 hours ago