Red Bull Could ‘Drastically Rethink’ F1 Future if Engine Freeze Plan Falls Through: Dr Helmut Marko
Follow Us
While their focus is undoubtedly on the upcoming 2021 campaign, Red Bull will also be looking on with nervous anticipation on whether the FIA backs their idea to freeze the engines for the 2022 season.
The Milton Keynes-based outfit suffered a shock late last year when Honda announced that they were quitting the sport after the 2021 season. With most of the existing engine manufacturers on the grid having their hands full, Red Bull’s only alternative was to come up with an engine by themselves.
In order to do so, Red Bull aim to purchase the design and intellectual property rights for the current Honda engine. However, to build the engine themselves, they would need the engine regulations to be frozen after this year. Reports suggest that the engine freeze would last until 2025 (the time when new regulations would be introduced).
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
However, the final decision to give the go-ahead lies with the FIA. If the final decision is doesn’t favor the freeze, Red Bull’s advisor Dr. Helmut Marko believes that the very existence of the team and also AlphaTauri could be in jeopardy.
He said, “That would mean Red Bull would have to drastically rethink its F1 situation. This is not a blackmail. For pure common sense and cost reasons, an engine freeze is the only way forward with these unfortunate power units.”
Marko even went to the extent of saying that they had no Plan B.
Red Bull close to sealing aforementioned deal with Honda to use their engines beyond 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Marko said, “Everything has been clarified between us. The timing is fixed. Everyone is in the starting blocks. But there won’t be an okay until we have written proof from the FIA that the development stop on the engine side is coming.
“We are waiting for the FIA’s decision. There should be clarification on that next week.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Trending
F1 Rumor: Adrian Newey to Join Ferrari, Leaving Red Bull Amid Christian Horner-Helmut Marko Fiasco
April 25, 2024 05:55 PM EDT
Liam Lawson’s Surprise Contract Clause Threatens Daniel Ricciardo’s RB Seat
April 24, 2024 11:15 AM EDT
What Is Azzurro La Plata and Azzurro Dino? Significance of Ferrari’s Historic Change to a Blue Livery for Miami GP
April 24, 2024 04:52 PM EDT
Daniel Ricciardo To Be Replaced by Liam Lawson After Miami, F1 Pundit Dishes Out Harsh Verdict After Australian’s “Amateur Mistake”
April 17, 2024 11:14 AM EDT
“[Charles] Leclerc Doesn’t Care About Ferrari”: F1 Insider’s Brutal Blow to Fred Vasseur & Co. Has Racing Community Lashing Out
April 24, 2024 05:00 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Both the teams and their fans will be waiting with bated breaths on the final decision. Engine makers like Mercedes are backing the engine freeze. However, the likes of Renault and Ferrari aren’t.
What the future holds for Red Bull and F1 is uncertain. But make sure to keep tabs on this topic, because things may heat up in the coming days.