Honda has agreed for Red Bull to continue using its Formula 1 engines beyond 2021, but the deal rests on a crucial FIA vote, says Helmut Marko.
Having been informed by Honda that it will be leaving F1 at the end of the year, Red Bull is keen to take on the Japanese manufacturer’s IP and keep running its power unit.
In order for this plan to happen, Red Bull is depending on a freeze in engine development coming into force from 2022.
The Austrian outfit considered all its options and felt continuing with Honda engines was the best solution, resulting in its push for an engine freeze.
An F1 commission e-vote is due to take place next week, when teams will decide whether a freeze on power unit’s will come into effect next year.
Speaking to German publication Auto Motor und Sport, Red Bull motorsport advisor Marko revealed it had reached an agreement with Honda regarding its engine.
“Everything has been settled between us,” Marko said. “The timing is there. Everyone is in the starting blocks. But there is only an okay when we have written proof from the FIA that the development stop on the engine side is coming.
“We are waiting for the FIA’s decision. A corresponding clarification should be made next week. We have a cost cap, we are discussing a restriction and reduction in driver salaries.
“Only with the engines everything should remain open. In addition, the tendency is clear that the new engine regulations will be brought forward in 2025. Unfortunately, this engine was such a cost driver. It makes no sense to invest any further now.”
Red Bull initially faced opposition from rivals Ferrari and Renault over an engine freeze, but both manufacturer’s are now more supportive of the idea.
Mercedes is also open to the ruling so long as the future engine regulations are brought forward to 2025, but is against a proposal to adopt a performance convergence system that would prevent teams finding a way around the freeze.
If Red Bull is unable to find a solution, the rules state that the engine supplier with the fewest customer teams will be inclined to supply a power unit, which would be its former partners Renault.
Asked if Red Bull has a Plan B on standby, Marko said: “No, it does not exist.
“That would mean that Red Bull has to rethink its Formula 1 situation drastically. This is not blackmail. For reasons of reason and cost, an engine freeze is the only way with these ill-fated engines.”
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