"Red Bull already knew Honda is leaving"

Although the news surrounding Honda's departure from Formula 1 earlier this week came as a shock to many, it was not a shock to everyone. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko tells the Austrian LAOLA1 what the next steps will be at Red Bull.

Although Red Bull Racing team boss Christian Horner recently announced a long-term partnership with Honda, everything looks completely different now. Marko explains: "Mr. Horner is Team Principal, but not involved in strategic matters. Mr. Mateschitz and I have known about it for a long time. Since the course of this year's season.”

When asked what the plan for Red Bull is going to be after 2021, Marko is still on the ground. "All options will be considered and then we'll decide what happens." The option of developing an engine of one's own is also being considered. "Our plan is to have clarity by the end of the year. Stepping out of Formula 1 is another option, but according to Marko that is "not our priority".

Plenty of options for Red Bull in 2022, but also for 2021 there are still question marks. Who drives as a teammate of Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing? Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg, among others, are mentioned. “If Alex Albon performs, he will stay. If not, there will be considerations. We would then see which drivers, who are good, are on the market. But that is out of the question at the moment."