Helmut Marko: 'Red Bull keeping engine options open'

Helmut Marko has suggested that Renault's reported plans to buy out Lotus will not have an impact on Red Bull.

The former constructors' champions have largely been off the pace in 2015, which led to a public spat with the French engine supplier over the lack of performance and reliability from their power units.

Renault are heavily rumoured to be considering whether to form their own works team, but Marko is confident that Red Bull won't be affected if their partnership comes to an end.

He told Motorsport.com: "It doesn't affect us. We have our contracts [for 2016], and if Renault decides to buy a team or whatever, fine.

"But 2017 is a different story. We are looking into everything. There's always a saying, never say never. We're looking for options."

Marko also distanced Red Bull from speculation linking them to an engine deal with Volkswagen.