Red Bull could depart F1 and join the WEC with Valkyrie

Red Bull could target Le Mans 24 Hours success with an Aston Martin Valkyrie-based hypercar instead of Formula 1, if it does not see a viable post2020 grand prix future.

The energy drinks company took over Jaguar’s works entry for the 2005 F1 season and blossomed into the dominant force from 2010-13, winning four consecutive drivers’ and constructors’ titles. But Red Bull has been reduced to a sporadic race winner in the post-2014 V6 turbo-hybrid era.

It will switch from being a Renault engine customer to having unofficial works Honda status for 2019 in a bid to fight for titles again.

F1 owner Liberty Media is targeting a commercial and regulatory revolution once the current Concorde Agreement expires after the 2020 season, but has failed to make significant progress.

Red Bull motorsport advisor Dr Helmut Marko says his team is not interested in becoming a customer again and has made it clear that Red Bull will not be held to ransom over planned rule changes.

“We have an agreement until 2020,” Marko said. “As long as there is no engine regulation and no Concorde Agreement, neither Red Bull nor Honda will make a decision.

“However, we will certainly not become dependent again, as we have been in the past, when we were begging others and statements and promises were not kept.”

Red Bull’s current Honda deal includes the 2019 and 2020 seasons. Beyond then, Red Bull’s choices appear limited if there are not favourable terms to continue.

“Stop is the option,” said Marko. “Or do something else, other racing series. With the Valkyrie, Le Mans could be an option with hypercar rules.

“The cars were all sold out immediately. That’s another good pillar for Red Bull Technologies.

“It looks like you can run in the WEC at a reasonable cost with the base of Valkyrie. Although Red Bull has never been to the 24 Hours, it’s something we’re thinking about.”