Red Bull waiting for Honda decision on F1 future

Red Bull motorsport advisor Dr Helmut Marko says the team's continued participation in Formula 1 is not yet secure, with engine partner Honda yet to formally commit to the sport in 2021 and beyond.

Liberty Media officially presented the new regulations to the world at the United States Grand Prix, with hopes that the new set of rules will promote a fairer balance of power, as well as promote better racing on-track.

F1's owners had sought to make sweeping changes to engine rules, however the modern power units will be largely unchanged, meaning sudden gains compared to Mercedes, Ferrari and Renault are unlikely for the Japanese manufacturer.

The impact of Honda's contemplation is clear, Red Bull have already admitted that talks over extending Max Verstappen's contract will not start until it is in its final year, while Marko has previously suggested that Honda opting to leave F1 will also see the energy drink brand pull the plug.

But, with the 2021 rulebook now in the open, Marko expects a decision will come soon.

"Honda has not decided yet," Marko told Motorsport-Magazin. "I think the decision should be made around the race in Abu Dhabi.

"It is handy to have an engine in a Formula 1 car!

"The rules are on the table and now you can calculate how much cheaper engine development will be. There will be restrictions on dyno time and different materials."

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