Verstappen in a Skoda? Different brands possible within Volkswagen Group

With Honda's departure after 2021 Red Bull will be responsible for the further development of its engines from next year. Although this will be limited due to the freeze in engine regulations, Helmut Marko and his team are making serious preparations for this.

For example, part of their factory is being converted into a proper engine department. "We will start with the renovation of the factory hall. We have ordered the technical requirements, i.e. the test stands. In twelve months' time, this installation should be operational. In time for us to be able to finish this job," says Marko according Motorsport-Total.com on Sky.

Red Bull with one of the many Volkswagen brands on the car?

That this is a serious operation is evident from the willingness to develop the all-new engines for 2025 here. Marko admits that it prefers to work with a manufacturer for this, but doesn't rule out that they will do it themselves. They have discussed this with Volkswagen, where according to Marko several brands are possible as partners, but there was no concrete proposal.

Max Verstappen in a Skoda would be fun of course, but for the time being there's a big chance that Red Bull will have to do it themselves. For that engine specialists have to be recruited and they are scarce. Andy Cowell, responsible for Mercedes' hybrid engine for example, has already said thanks.

"Thank God we have a lot of very competent people at Red Bull Racing. The budget cap frees up some of these people. We are gradually transferring them to Red Bull Powertrains. The requirements for the crucial positions are very, very specific. There is not much on the market, but I am optimistic to have both the building and the hardware and the staff operational in time," Marko said.