Why Aston Martin and Red Bull were asked about an unlikely F1 engine partnership

One of the most remarkable moments on Sunday in Austin did not take place on the track itself, but rather in the Formula 1 paddock after the US Grand Prix. During the usual post-race media sessions, both Aston Martin and Red Bull’s representatives were asked about a subject that had very little to do with the race at the Circuit of the Americas – quite the opposite, in fact.

Both Aston Martin's chief trackside officer Mike Krack and Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies were asked whether they could rule out a potential partnership between the two brands in the future. It seems rather extraordinary, and both men understandably looked surprised when that question randomly came up during their media rounds, which is why the matter requires some context.