Helmut Marko Starting to Warm Up to Honda, Teases Future Partnership

Following the announcement of Honda’s and Toro Rosso’s partnership, It has transpired that the Red Bull team is fairly optimistic. With Renault announcing that they are splitting with Red Bull after 2018, it seems strange that the Austrian marquee are putting some faith in the Japanese manufacturer. Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko has stated that there is a plan in effect.

Marko said “We contacted Honda and did some of our own research too. And from what we learned, we have an optimistic view of the future. We saw both McLarens in the top 10 in Singapore, we see an engine that is developing, and we know what is going on in the background. Honda has the financial potential, the necessary infrastructure, one of the most modern factories with corresponding test rigs and a complete commitment to Formula 1 and winning in a partnership. But we must also address the Japanese mentality, as it is, of course, a little different than us Europeans.”

Although Aston Martin have been roped in as the title partner, Helmut Marko is not ruling out a switch to Honda. He said. “It (Aston Martin) is a financial cooperation that has nothing to do with the powertrain. Now we are looking forward to seeing how Toro Rosso and Honda are going to work. In September 2018, I’ll be able to say what we are going to do in 2019, which is a good time to see how Toro Rosso and Honda is working.”