Helmut Marko, Red Bull F1’s motorsport advisor, is relieved that Honda will stay in F1 until the end of 2025.
Although Honda has officially withdrawn from F1, it has always been known that Red Bull F1 will continue to use Honda’s F1 power unit architecture.
However, Helmu Tomarco explained that the original plan was to run a completely new F1 engine made by Red Bull Powertrains without the support of the Honda factory from 2023.
“Thankfully there has been a change of mind,” Helmut Marko told Motorsport.
In fact, Red Bull announced last week that the team will continue to receive the same “technical support” from Honda from 2023 to 2025.
“The original plan was to have the engines in-house from 2023,” explained Helmut Marko.
“It was a relief to have that overturned. Otherwise it would have been a real problem for us technically, logistically and linguistically.”
“Honda will continue to arrange everything themselves. The engine is sealed and you cannot see inside.”
Honda’s change of heart could have something to do with the intense speculation linking Red Bull to a Porsche works deal for 2026.
“The engine comes from Honda in a box. If there is something wrong, only a Honda employee can work on it,” said Helmut Marko, referring to the transfer of intellectual property rights from Honda to Porsche. I underestimated the risk of relocation.
On what Red Bull Powertrain’s new operation will do between now and 2026, Helmut Marko said: “We are already talking to 300 employees, all working on the next engine regulations. There is,” commented.
“If we have a new partner in 2026, we can join forces. They will have access to all the facilities we already have, which is of course a big plus.”
“In terms of facilities, we aim to be the best of the best.”
Category: F1 / red bull / honda f1 / Porsche