Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko has admitted that Red Bull are still trying to solve the dilemma they face over the future of their engines. The team’s current supplier Honda are due to leave F1 at the end of the 2021 season, but Red Bull hope to be able to continue to use the power unit in 2022 as their own. However, doing this would require Formula 1 to instate a development freeze. A vote on this by the commission had been expected to take place this week, but this did not happen and Red Bull are now forced to wait longer for the decision to be made. It is thought that, at the earliest, talks could be held again in two weeks’ time. "The agreement that existed on Friday was no longer there on Monday," Marko told Motorsport-Magazin. "There are further talks and negotiations." Marko fears that other teams are trying to delay the decision so as to impact Red Bull’s ability to prepare for 2022. Meanwhile Ferrari will reportedly only agree to an engine freeze if the introduction of the completely new engine regulations is brought forwards from 2026 to 2025. The aim of the future engine plans in the sport is to make the power unit cheaper and more sustainable whilst still reaching the same level of performance. In the meantime, Red Bull appear to have limited options for their 2022 engine supplier if they do not continue to use Honda. The squad had a rather acrimonious relationship with previous supplier Renault, whilst Mercedes and Ferrari already supply a number of teams on the grid. Despite the issues that the Milton Keynes-based outfit face, Marko remains confident that a solution will be reached. The team are avoiding setting concrete deadlines over the decision. "We are flexible, we remain positive," Marko explained.
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