A breakdown in talks between Red Bull Racing and Porsche might pave the way for Honda’s F1 return. Helmut Marko, Red Bull F1’s motorsport adviser, has confirmed that he is in talks with Honda.
Porsche announced on Friday, September 9th that negotiations with Red Bull for 2026 F1 participation had broken down. You can imagine how much disagreement there was between the two companies for not announcing the start of negotiations and abruptly announcing the end.
Honda is emerging as a new partner. Honda is said to regret withdrawing from F1, and still has a contract to manufacture F1 power units in Japan and supply them to Red Bull and Alpha Tauri until 2025. Honda’s F1 engine is on the verge of winning the championship for the second year in a row.
Helmut Marko has confirmed that he is in talks with Honda, adding that Red Bull Powertrains will not be able to operate independently and will not need to find a partner.
“Nobody needs it at the moment, but if it turns out that there is synergy and benefit, we are open to it,” Marko told OE3.
Red Bull are open to working with other manufacturers, but will continue the F1 power unit project on their own if there are no interesting parties.
“We are in a good position. We have the fastest driver until 2028. We have the best designer, Adrian Newey. Our engine plant will be fully operational within 55 weeks. The first engine has already started. We are completely self-sufficient,” said Helmut Marko.
Honda is not the only candidate to partner with Red Bull. Helmut Marko, who declined to give his name, claims Red Bull has already received several inquiries from other parties interested in partnerships.
“Surprisingly, now that Porsche’s cancellation has become official, we have received several inquiries,” said Helmut Marko.
Helmut Marko has elaborated on why negotiations between Red Bull and Porsche have gone awry, saying neither company has benefited from the terms offered.
“During the negotiation process, it became clear that for the project as a whole, neither side would benefit from this cooperation,” said Helmut Marko.
“Efficiency at Red Bull Racing has been a top priority. We need the team to be as successful as it has been in the last 10 or 12 years and this needs to continue.”
But Red Bull itself is in no rush. According to Helmut Marko, Red Bull Racing’s number one priority is efficiency.
Helmut Marko agrees with Red Bull Racing F1 team principal Christian Horner. Christian Horner says he only wants to collaborate if the companies have the same DNA and can agree on a long-term strategy.
“If we can contribute our know-how in the engine sector, or if other synergies and advantages can be achieved, we welcome cooperation,” said Helmut Marko.
Category: F1 / honda f1 / red bull
