Red Bull says it is not in serious talks to supply engines to another team
Team principal Laurent Mekies says Red Bull Powertrains is not ready to supply a team beyond Racing Bulls and has no serious talks with anyone, amid speculation that Aston Martin could leave Honda. He did not rule out future deals.
No serious talks, for now
Red Bull has responded to the speculation that its power units could one day end up in another team's car. Speaking in Austin, team principal Laurent Mekies was asked whether Red Bull Powertrains (RBPT) is in serious conversations to supply another team. His answer, as quoted by RacingNews365 and PlanetF1: "No, we don't feel we are ready for that."
Mekies said RBPT first wants to improve its power unit and how it fits into the car, and to reach the level of the best competitors, before it supplies anyone beyond Racing Bulls. He added that "nothing will change in the next year or so".
Not a closed door
Mekies did not shut the door for good. Asked whether the current arrangement is fixed for five years, he said it is not, because he does not know what will happen. RacingNews365 notes that he did not directly deny contact with Aston Martin.
Where the talk comes from
The speculation grew over the summer, when reports suggested Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll was looking at alternatives to the exclusive Honda deal. PlanetF1 says the earliest realistic switch would be 2028, and that any contact with other manufacturers is described by sources as keeping lines open rather than aiming at a specific move. RBPT's engine has been rated the best combustion engine among the five manufacturers in the FIA's upgrade-and-development system.
Aston Martin has not ruled the idea out, but Mike Krack has said Honda is a long-term partner and that the team expects to stay with it, even after winning its first race together. This week Honda set out a two-step upgrade plan for 2027.
By the numbers
The season shows why the question is asked. After 18 rounds, Aston Martin has 7 points and has not finished on the podium, according to our race data. Red Bull Racing has 335 points, third in the constructors' standings, with two wins and 12 podium finishes. Mexico City is next, on 1 November.
