Red Bull asked Honda if there was a chance of an engine supply deal for 2016, as the Milton Keynes team continued to try to find a power unit for next season.

But the deal was not possible, as Honda's current partner McLaren exercised a veto the team has on such a move.

"There is no debate on this," said McLaren Eric Boullier earlier this month. "Clearly there is an issue at Red Bull, which was created by Red Bull, and not by anybody else.

"We are not a charity foundation, so we are not here to help."

Arai said that, while he could not comment on the veto, Honda's plan was always to eventually supply multiple teams.

"We know what has been written in the media, but our point of view as Honda is we have always said since the beginning of the season that we are open to supply multiple teams and we come into F1 thinking about that," said Arai.

"We can't comment on the veto, but Honda is always open and thinking ahead."

Interview by Federico Faturos