SOCHI (RUSSIA) - The future in Formula One of Red Bull and their sister team Toro Rosso remained uncertain amid much speculation on Friday as commercial ringmaster Bernie Ecclestone intervened.
Red Bull team chief Christian Horner at the second practice session for the Russian Formula One Grand Prix at the Sochi Autodrom circuit on October 9, 2015
Ecclestone held talks with Red Bull's senior management, whose owner and boss Dietrich Mateschitz has made clear that he will pull them out of the sport if the team do not find a competitive engine supplier for next year.
After a further meeting with Mercedes, he was as enigmatic as ever, but suggested that Red Bull and Toro Rosso will still be on the Formula One grid.
Asked if he was certain that 22 cars would line up next year, he said: "Yes, for sure," adding: "It's all been sorted."
However, he also said he was not clear on what the outcome would be.
"I don't know, honestly. I think enough has been said about these engines and I don't want to make any more comments," he told Sky Sports.
"I think it's been cleared up,” he added. "Whatever they're going to have…. I haven't spoken to Dietrich Mateschitz. He knows what he's doing."
Many paddock observers believe it is possible that Red Bull could return to Renault for a further year after being rejected by both Mercedes and Ferrari.
Mercedes said they did not want to supply them and Ferrari said they would not give them the same engines as those used by their own factory race team.
Red Bull boss Christian Horner said: "There are lots of discussions going on, but nothing is concluded, nothing is confirmed. Bernie has influence.
"He is a promoter, he wants Red Bull to be there - all the teams, Lotus included. He has been very helpful in trying to navigate a way through these issues."
Red Bull have grown frustrated with current engine suppliers Renault, who are in talks to buy the Lotus team, and have given notice that they will not be using them next year although they have a contract that runs to the end of 2017.
Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff has made clear they are not interested. "The situation hasn't changed," he said. "We have decided not to pursue that option."
Mercedes has instead agreed a deal to supply engines to the Manor Marussia team next season.
Sebastian Vettel, who won four drivers world titles with Red Bull, said it would be a huge shock if they and Toro Rosso pulled out of F1.
"I have strong links to Red Bull and I know the team like the back of my hand," he said.
"This is why I struggle to imagine them to pull out. I hope they will stay."
Ferrari offered to supply Red Bull with engines that were a level below those of their own race team, as agreed with the Haas and Sauber teams, but Red Bull rejected that offer.