Mercedes supports Red Bull's controversial plan

Red Bull Racing were planning to work with Honda towards a championship. The Japanese engine manufacturer have however decided to retire from Formula 1 after 2021. As a result, the team seems to be at Renault's mercy again, unless the project can be bought from Honda. In that case Red Bull want to freeze engine development for 2022, to avoid a large backlog.

Of course, the team can't decide that on its own, and that requires the support of the FIA as well as the other teams. Interestingly enough, Mercedes has now spoken out in favour of the plan. "In theory, Formula 1 can cope with three engine suppliers, but it would, of course, be much better with four. Especially if we have such an opportunity. I understand the position of Red Bull and also that they don't want to go back to being a customer team," said Toto Wolff to Motorsport.com.

Understanding the situation

"Red Bull, of course, wants to remain a factory team and optimize things. There may also be something in Honda's pipeline that will give them confidence that the engine will be even better. I think we need to do everything we can to give Red Bull Racing this opportunity," explained the team boss at Mercedes. The Austrian understands that every team is trying to get the best deal.

However, the support from the competitor is remarkable, as both teams have tried to outdo each other more than once. "I understand very well that they don't want to start an arms race with other brands and spend huge amounts of money. It is a reasonable proposal from them in that respect and I want to support that. I also think Red Bull is a very important brand for the sport and we should do everything we can to keep them in Formula 1," Wolff concludes.