Red Bull boss Christian Horner is eager to see their partnership with Honda expand and continue well into the future.
Their first season has been largely successful with two wins and a pole position already, brushing off any concerns that were raised after their announcement last year.
However, as Formula 1 negotiates the regulations for 2021, there is still uncertainty as to whether Honda or anyone may opt to pull out.
“Nobody is committed beyond the end of 2020 yet so they’re in the same situation as every team and manufacturer,” the Red Bull chief explained.
“Of course they’re doing a great job and certainly the intention is for this relationship to continue into the future. That’s very much the hope and I think the benefits for both parties would be from a long-term involvement.
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“Who knows, we could see a Japanese driver in a Red Bull car if they’re good enough,” he suggested.
“There’s some promising ones coming through. Yuki Tsunoda looks like he’s an interesting talent – he qualified in the top three in F3 at Spa – and there are some promising young Japanese drivers out there.”
Honda’s success with Red Bull is also having a positive impact back in Japan ahead of the Grand Prix at Suzuka next month.
“I think it’s going to be massive in Japan this year,” Horner stated. “I believe ticket sales are massively up.
“Japan is embracing Honda’s success and Max [Verstappen] is becoming a hero, not just over here in Europe now but certainly in Japan as well.”
