Christian Horner has hinted that Red Bull could be set to announce a switch to Aston Martin engines, or even a full takeover by the British marque in the near future, amid reports Renault are set to dump the team as an official engine partner.
It's been reported that Red Bull's current supplier, Renault, has informed the team that it won't be renewing its deal after 2018, which would force Red Bull into a partnership with Honda – its sister team Toro Rosso's new supplier.
Yet there are also reports hinting that Porsche could soon join the sport as an engine supplier to Red Bull, but not until 2021 when the new regulations are adopted.
However on Saturday in Singapore, Horner said an announcement would take place "soon" that wouldn't involve Porsche, Renault or Honda, hinting at a deal with Aston Martin, which is keen to get more involved with F1.
"Paddock rumour is so great," Horner told Sky Sports. "I think there will be another announcement soon, that won't be with Porsche. I'll leave you with that one to think about, but it won't be with Porsche."
Pushed on the matter, he was asked: "So you're saying something besides from Porsche, Renault or Honda?"
"Absolutely," he replied. "We have a relationship with a motor manufacturer already. You haven't got to be a rocket scientist to work out what it is."
It is however unlikely that Aston Martin would build their own engine, but rather rebrand an existing unit, possibly from Mercedes who have an existing technical partnership with the manufacturer.
Discussion about this post