Christian Horner has confirmed Red Bull was in talks with Volkswagen about a future partnership before the German manufacturer became embroiled in emissions testing controversy.
During the Singapore Grand Prix weekend the Red Bull--Volkswagen link resurfaced after the Milton Keynes team threatened to quit if it was not offered 2016 engine parity by Ferrari. In the weeks following the Singapore race it was revealed Volkswagen had been cheating on diesel emissions tests and Horner admits that scandal makes a partnership in the near future unlikely.
"Of course it is publicly known that there have been discussions with the VW group, but obviously with their current issues F1 is the last thing on their mind," Horner said. "There were other discussions,that will become apparent no doubt in the future as well, and other promises that were made. There is an awful lot of speculation and conjecture at the moment, but once everything is finalised everything will become extremely clear."
The "promises that were made" is likely a reference to Mercedes, who eventually turned down giving Red Bull its engines next year after seriously considering it. During the Friday press conference in Austin Horner made pointed reference to that -- and Ferrari's reported refusal -- by pondering whether the EU investigation triggered by Sauber and Force India's complaint about revenue shares would consider refusing to supply a team with an engine "anti-competition".
Red Bull's current lack of a 2016 engine has left it facing the prospect of tying to return to Renault power next season despite its spectacular falling-out this year, though Honda has become the latest manufacturer linked with a supply deal. Renault is currently in takeover talks with Lotus and Horner suggests the outcome of that will make Red Bull's situation clearer.
"Obviously discussions have been going on with Renault to understand what their plans are for next year. Until they commit to be in F1 or not, it is difficult at this stage to take it any further. We have an agreement with Renault that runs until the end of next year, about which there has been a lot of speculation. I am sure there will be confirmation of that agreement in the coming days."
Though admitting Red Bull quitting F1 is still an option owner Dietrich Mateschitz, Horner clarified: "For me it's not an option, we have to find a solution. I'm working very hard to make sure the team is on the grid for next year and beyond."
Horner refused to be drawn on whether he would personally intervene to save the team in a similar fashion to Ross Brawn when Honda pulled out of F1 suddenly at the end of 2008.