Helmut Marko, head of Red Bull’s driver development programme, has said the team could quit Formula One if it is unable to find a competitive engine supplier following Honda’s withdrawal from the sport at the end of next season.
He also confirmed that Max Verstappen does have a clause in his contract which could allow him to leave Red Bull if they are unable to secure a “competitive” engine.
READ: ACI Recommends ‘Maximum Sanction’ For Luca Corberi & His Father
“Max has a competitive engine in the contract,” Marko said in a recent interview.
“But that’s also our premise. Without an engine with which we can win the World Championship, the project is not interesting for us.”
“If we can’t find a competitive solution, that’s an option,” Marko replied when asked if Red Bull might quit Formula One following Honda’s exit.
Earlier, team principal Christian Horner denied claims that Max Verstappen has such an engine clause in his contract with Red Bull and described the Dutch ace as being “very comfortable” at the team.
Unless another engine supplier enters F1 in the next 18 months, it seems a Red Bull-Renault reunion is the most likely scenario to play out.
However, Marko pointed out that switching to Renault would be a step back for them.
“When you go back to Renault, you get an engine that they build according to their needs. It is made for their chassis.
“That would be another compromise for us,” he added.
Buy exclusive Formula 1 memorabilia – including autographs, real F1 car components and paintings – from GP Box
Enjoyed reading this article? Consider sharing it: