Branson: Formula One needs Virgin

Speaking in London before jetting off to Hong Kong, Branson commented that "I love Formula One, I think it could do with a brand like Virgin."

Reiterating comments made to the BBC, he pointed out that "if we were talking to Honda, I would have signed an non-disclosure letter, so I wouldn't be able to publically say it."

The changes that Formula One needs to be making or, at the very least, agreeing to move towards, were also mentioned again. "If we were to get involved," explained Branson, "we would insist that Bernie Ecclestone moves Honda towards a much greener vision, so that all those brilliant engineers would think about how these cars can be run on clean fuels.

"But we'll have to see what happens," he added, cheekily.