Red Bull says it wants to be “firming up” the direction it will take regarding its 2022 engine supply before the end of the month.
Honda announced in early October that it will depart Formula 1 after the 2021 season, leaving Red Bull and sister team AlphaTauri without a power unit partner.
Red Bull has expressed a desire to continue using Honda’s power units through the end of the current cycle – which runs until 2025 – but is keen for an engine development freeze to be implemented.
Mercedes has pledged its support to an engine freeze but fellow manufacturers Ferrari and Renault have previously opposed such a stance.
“There are some practical things that need to be decided,” said Horner on Friday.
“Engine stuff is such long lead time and if we were to take on a project like that then there’s quite a lot of work behind the scenes that would obviously need to happen and be put in place.
“Really by the end of this month we need to be firming up on a position.”
Horner revealed that discussions have taken place with Formula 1 stakeholders over the situation but emphasised that Red Bull’s priority is to keep using Honda’s power units.
“I think our preferred option would be to continue with the power unit that is in the car next year, obviously rebadged as something else,” he said.
“If we can make an agreement with Honda regarding the use of the IP and product moving forward… it would be a great shame to see those engines just in a warehouse somewhere in Japan.
“So subject to what the regulations are, it would be the preferred route would be to find an agreement to continue with those power units.”
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