Looking ahead to 2026, Helmut Marko admits that no decision has been taken on Red Bull's engine supply, as Honda ponders remaining in F1.

One of the true conundrums in F1's recent history is that of Honda and what exactly the Japanese manufacturer is doing.

Of course, there was the golden era with McLaren. Then came the whole British American Racing, MyEarthDream fiasco which ultimately saw the Japanese team buy the Brackley outfit only to withdraw from the sport just as things came good, allowing Ross Brawn's eponymous team to win the titles at the first attempt with a project essentially bought and paid for by Honda.

Then came the disastrous partnership with McLaren - a shambles that both parties still struggle to come to terms with - followed by the switch to Toro Rosso and subsequently its sister team, Red Bull.

Then, in yet another unbelievable twist, just as Max Verstappen appeared to be heading towards the title, Honda pulled the plug yet again, leaving Red Bull to set up its own power train division, recruiting top-class engineers from its rivals especially Mercedes, only for the Japanese manufacturer to have a change of heart and opt to continue partnering the Austrian team until 2025.

At which point it may yet remain in F1 depending on the new engine formula, the Japanese manufacturer having registered its interest in supplying engines from 2026 with the FIA.

Like the rest of us, Helmut Marko, and presumably many at Honda itself, doesn't have a clue what is going on, amidst claims that Honda might continue merely as an engine supplier or 'do an Audi' and buy into an existing team.

"It's a tense situation that has a history," he tells Auto Motor und Sport. "When Honda announced its withdrawal two years ago, we would have had nothing at all in the first phase. Honda didn't even want to supply the existing engine.

"We were able to gradually transform that into a cooperation as we see it today," he adds. "At the same time, to safeguard the future, we set up our own engine plant."

Ahead of the new formula in 2026, and with Honda having agreed to 'stay put' until them, Red Bull Powertrains has been working with the Japanese giant.

"When it came to deciding who would do what from 2026, things got difficult," Marko admits. "It was planned that Honda would only do the electrical part, but we didn't come to a common denominator. But let's see. A decision will be made soon."

In terms of Honda buying into an existing team, the Austrian rules out AlphaTauri.

"When Honda comes back, they need a top team," he admits. "That can't be AlphaTauri, especially if there are no longer any synergies with us if we have a different engine.

"When I ask around, every engine manufacturer, from Audi to Renault, wants a second team. There's not much left for Honda."

While Mercedes has dominated the hybrid era, winning 114 (63%) of the 181 races since its introduction, this saw the German manufacturer claim just one win, while Honda claimed 17, bringing its (hybrid) total to 33. A far cry from the nightmare of 2015.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Thomas, 30/12/2022 0:03

"A couple of points to offer to Red Bull F1 team here to consider: Honda has tasted F1 success on the back of Red Bull car in a short span of time thinks it can make it on its own. It will stay as a dream for long! Engine is only one part of the F1 puzzle! From a long-term view, RB should pursue its own engine-dream licensing the current Honda engine and develop it further with its recently hired A-Team designers! If Honda does not want to give the rights, you develop your own in six months with help from MecaChromeSAS and put it on dyno and subcontract for other components! With steady development and input on the engine evolution, Red Bull can be a difficult team to beat with all the other success attributes of RB team lined up (like Chassis, MAX-Driver, HornerTeamLead, ...) They will be in similar position like winning MBe when it started the new engine format few years ago! This will give opportunity for Honda to learn their lessons! Having the best engine does not win F1 championships. Both MBe-F1 and RenaultF1 demonstrated that in the last two and several years respectively. Red Bull has enough resources to become an engine developer also and be independent for the long haul! You take no bull from nobody then! Dependencies are always pain points and diversion from concentrating on your own development if you have the resources! Red Bull has a proven winning strategy now, it makes RB-sense to extend and establish a Red Bull F1 Dynasty for the next 10 F1 championships! This modest achievement is doable with proper orchestration by Red Bull F1 Team!"

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2. Posted by Tardis40, 24/12/2022 16:01

"I was under the impression that RBR is preparing to make its own engine?"

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3. Posted by Malemoi, 24/12/2022 9:08

"Pity Marko is tight lipped all the time "

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4. Posted by KKK, 23/12/2022 18:32

"If there ever was one thing Ive learnt about Honda....They just do not like to be embarrassed. The little saga of the overspend Im sure hasnt passed their eyes. What about if Honda pulls out of supporting RB ? Now Marko has to find another engine...."

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5. Posted by Bill Hopgood, 23/12/2022 17:30

"McLaren Audi or Williams Audi? Williams Honda? Now there is a blast from the past."

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6. Posted by kenji, 22/12/2022 23:24

"@ Superbird70...doesn't Andretti already have an agreement with Reanult/Alpine?"

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7. Posted by Superbird70, 22/12/2022 22:51

"Honda Andretti anyone?"

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Marko tight-lipped on engine plans

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