Inside the Red Bull-Mercedes ‘Handshake’ Deal: How Toto Wolff Blocked a Potential Power Shift in F1

Information has surfaced about a potential agreement between Red Bull and Mercedes that was ultimately vetoed by Toto Wolff. Helmut Marko has revealed that in the initial stages of the hybrid era, Red Bull was close to partnering with Mercedes as a customer team.

Helmut Marko disclosed that Red Bull nearly finalized an agreement to power their cars with Mercedes F1 engines, but the deal was ultimately vetoed by Toto Wolff.

When the hybrid era began in 2014, Red Bull struggled to compete while Mercedes dominated the first three years.

Red Bull's capabilities were restrained due to their engine provider, Renault.

To enhance their competitiveness, Red Bull explored different possibilities for their power unit supply.

Red Bull continued to use Renault engines until the conclusion of 2018, as both Mercedes and Ferrari declined to provide them with engines.

As expected, their competitors worried that if they had the same engine, they would outperform them, considering the Red Bull chassis remained competitive.

During an episode of the Inside Line podcast, Marko recounted an incident where Niki Lauda had negotiated an agreement with Red Bull, which was subsequently stopped by Wolff.

Marko mentioned that in 2014, when the new engine regulations were introduced, their engine supplier was unable to produce a competitive engine.

"There was significant competition with Mercedes, and our leader, Mateschitz, wasn't particularly fond of them. I explained, 'Look, we can't inspire our team with this engine anymore, because everyone understands that winning with it is impossible.'"

“We had an agreement with Mercedes, a verbal one with Lauda, but it wasn't backed by Toto, so it fell through."

In 2019, Red Bull teamed up with Honda following the Japanese company's disastrous collaboration with McLaren, which had concluded two years prior.

Their choice to collaborate with Honda turned out to be highly successful, as they regained their championship status in 2021.

"We approached Honda," Marko mentioned. "Honda wasn't performing well with McLaren at that time, but I had some insider knowledge about their future plans. So, we decided, 'Yes, let's proceed. We'll take this gamble.'"

"I didn't think it was risky since I was aware of the significant investment they had made in dynamometers. They were committed to the project."

During that instance, as Fernando Alonso might describe it, it was akin to F2-level performance or power, representing a daring choice. We have consistently made bold decisions, embracing the idea that without taking risks, there is no enjoyment.

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