Red Bull has officially begun talks with Honda over a potential engine deal from the beginning of next season, Formula1.com has reported.
The Japanese manufacturer has shown signs of making good gains with their power unit this year, after joining forces with Toro Rosso as part of the decision to split from McLaren following three troubled years.
Pierre Gasly achieved their best result since returning in 2015 with fourth in Bahrain purely on merit and that only triggered further speculation that the senior team may decide to end their long-term relationship with Renault.
Now, the first step has been taken towards that possibility with Honda’s motorsport director Masashi Yamamoto and Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko meeting in Azerbaijan this past weekend.
“We formally sat down for the first time, and started talking about specific requirements for the deal to move forward,” Yamamoto revealed.
“Red Bull is a competitive team, and Honda would be open to supply them if there is an opportunity.
“We have moved on from casual discussions to formal negotiations, and we confirmed our points of view and are now at the start of the process.”
Under the regulations, it suggests teams have until May 15 before telling the FIA which engine supplier the intend to use the following year but a decision isn’t likely before the summer break as Red Bull have previously stated and McLaren’s situation last year proved.