Helmut Marko has disclosed just how close Red Bull came to switching to Mercedes engines after deciding to part ways with Renault.
Red Bull used Renault engines for three more seasons, branded as Tag Heuer, before switching to Honda in 2019.
“In 2014, with the introduction of the new engine regulations, our engine supplier unfortunately couldn’t deliver a competitive engine,” Marko said on the Inside Line podcast, referring to Renault.
“There was a significant rivalry with Mercedes, and our boss, Mateschitz, wasn’t a fan either. I argued that with our current engine, we couldn’t inspire our team because everyone knew we couldn’t win with it.
“We had a handshake agreement with Lauda for a deal with Mercedes, but it wasn’t backed by Toto, so the deal fell through.”
In 2018, Honda partnered with Toro Rosso before teaming up with Red Bull in 2019. By the end of 2021, Honda had helped Max Verstappen become a world champion, with constructors’ titles following in 2022 and again last year, thanks to the RB19, the most dominant car in F1 history.
“We chose to work with Honda,” Marko said. “At that time, Honda had struggled with McLaren, but I had insider knowledge about their plans, so we decided to take the risk.
“I didn’t see it as a big risk because I knew how much they had invested in their development. They were committed to making it work.”
Marko also addressed Fernando Alonso’s infamous “GP2 engine” comment from the 2015 Japanese GP, saying, “We switched engines, and at that point, Alonso’s comment about F2 power was a bold move. We’ve always taken bold decisions. No risk, no fun.”
