Red Bull want long-term Honda link

Christian Horner hopes that Red Bull's partnership with Honda extends beyond 2020, when their current deal runs out.

With great scrutiny on their performances this year, Red Bull have enjoyed a good level of success with Honda, delivering the Japanese manufacturer their first podium, pole position and race win for many, many years with Max Verstappen.

After three dismal years with McLaren, Honda has gained fresh motivation to remain in Formula 1, and Horner hopes that a new deal can be thrashed out once a new Concorde Agreement is finally agreed.

"Nobody is committed beyond the end of 2020 yet so they're in the same situation as every team and manufacturer," Horner said.

"Of course they're doing a great job and certainly the intention is for this relationship to continue into the future. That's very much the hope and I think the benefits for both parties would be from a long-term involvement.

"Who knows, we could see a Japanese driver in a Red Bull car if they're good enough.

"There's some promising ones coming through. Yuki Tsunoda looks like he's an interesting talent - he qualified in the top three in F3 at Spa - and there are some promising young Japanese drivers out there."

Until a Japanese drier does make it to Red Bull, Honda's home crowd has taken Verstappen to its heart, ensuring this year's race at Suzuka will take on a special atmosphere.

"I think it's going to be massive in Japan this year," Horner said. "I believe ticket sales are massively up.

"Japan is embracing Honda's success and Max is becoming a hero, not just over here in Europe now but certainly in Japan as well."

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