First mooted by Pitpass weeks before Toro Rosso agreed an engine deal with Honda, the Japanese manufacturer has now confirmed that initial talks have been held with a view to supplying Red Bull.

In late August 2017, while McLaren and Honda had yet to announce their divorce, and as rumours swirled that Toro Rosso was to partner with the Japanese manufacturer, we opined that as the media frenzy focussed on these three, "the smoke and mirrors is causing us to lose sight of another important factor, Red Bull".

We suggested that as the Austrian team sought an alternative to Renault, it might well suit it to allow Toro Rosso to partner Honda for a season in a 'guinea pig' role before its own possible tie-up with the Japanese manufacturer.

Two weeks later the Toro Rosso deal with Honda was confirmed, and for the most part it appears to be working out, the Japanese manufacturer having made clear progress over the winter.

With the May 15 deadline fast approaching, by which time engine manufacturers have to confirm to the FIA who they will be supplying next season, Honda has confirmed that talks have been held with Red Bull.

"Because it was the very first meeting, we discussed the conditions of both sides, what do we expect of each other," Honda motorsport boss Masahi Yamamoto told the official F1 website, referring to the meeting which took place in Baku on Saturday.

"It was the first discussion," he added. "It was positive. We believe we were both satisfied. There's a good relationship between us. However, it's the first time we have an official meeting. It's the starting point for a potential future.

"We have the obligation to present the documents on the 15 May to the FIA," he confirmed. "It's something we are starting to discuss now and it has to be smooth between Honda and Red Bull.

"I want to use the time we have left to discuss with the Honda board members before I take the feedback back to Red Bull to take the next steps," he admitted. "When we decided to come back to F1, the plan was not to just stick with one team but work with multiple teams. The board members are aware of discussions and there is a big respect for the relationship."

Though Red Bull won all its titles with Renault, the relationship has always been fractious, never more so than following the introduction of the hybrid formula in 2014 and the French manufacturer's return to F1 as a constructor in 2016.

With new engine rules scheduled for 2021 and deal would likely be for 2019 and 2020 only, which could fit in with Daniel Ricciardo's desire to only commit himself for two years on his next contract.

Check out our Sunday gallery from Baku, here.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by -ape-, 30/04/2018 19:42

"One of the biggest problem for Honda was that McLaren has no drivers who could help with the development.
Same when Alonso was driving for Ferrari the car became worse over the years.
RedBull and Torro Rosso will do better with their skillful drivers."

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2. Posted by Thomas1, 30/04/2018 18:01

"Riccordio is capable of winning every race in F1 calendar! Herr Adrians' genius work is wasted just like McLarens' chassis engineers work was wasted for 3 years with Honda engines! Renault F1 is PRIME-Time read now. Either Renault F1 or McLaren F1 should be the next year's winner with Riccordio and Herr Adrian's genius well-utilized.
We want to see positive energy in F1. Ban the loser's for life in F1! People are paying money to watch races in running and not on sitting wall or crashes! If affects the momentum of the other drivers and the fun of racing! If F1 has more than one or two crashes per race, it should rerun the race or return the money with interest!"

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3. Posted by Thomas1, 30/04/2018 17:48

"Riccardio should move to Renault F1 next year or to McLaren along with Alonso. Red Bull has chosen the next engine from Honda and Keep Max for testing the engine in the next two years. Max would have created about 10 F1 accidents so far where leaders had their victories or points wiped out. In another year or two of Renault engine running with Red Bull, he may crack the total no. of accidents to 20 and a full F1 demolishing derby. F1 should award him a new title for this work!
If you cannot move out a driver out of a team, move another engine maker to the team. One can make some money in the demolishing and testing business. That DOES it! I am sorry that Ricciordio was robbed of a Baku podium or a win! Herr Adrian's Master strokes are wasted here for nothing!"

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4. Posted by NS Biker, 30/04/2018 15:54

"By this time next year, folks will be saying ..."What a brilliant and aggressive coup for Red bull to take up with Honda". "

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5. Posted by Motorsport-fan, 30/04/2018 14:00

"Not sure this the news Ricciardo was wanting to hear, but starting to think Red Bull is his only option, Bottas is starting to find his feet at Mercedes and Leclerc would seem the natural replacement at Ferrari, only other option would be Mclaren?"

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6. Posted by Hobgoblin, 30/04/2018 12:34

"More dummy-spitting opportunities for Mr Horner next year then..."

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Honda confirms talks with Red Bull

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