What does Honda’s departure mean for Red Bull?

It’s not the first outing …

Honda was represented in Formula 1 with its own official team for the first time between 1964 and 1968. It was not until 1983 that the company returned as an engine manufacturer. That was also the most successful phase of the Japanese, in which they won several world titles with Williams and McLaren. The next outing took place after the 1992 season. They were then there again from 2000 to 2008, before the third retreat followed. Legendary to this day: Ross Brawn bought the remains of the official team for the 2009 season and became a world champion.

Horner: Honda comes out of a “challenge”

“This decision naturally presents us with challenges as a team, but we have already been in this situation. And as we are well positioned, we are equipped to respond effectively, as we have already demonstrated in the past,” recalls the speaker. The head of the Bull team from the separation of Renault a few years ago and explains: “Our common approach for the rest of the 2020 season and the 2021 season remains unchanged.”

“We are fighting for victories and for the championship. And since we signed the last Concorde Agreement for Formula 1, Red Bull Racing’s long-term commitment to the sport continues. We look forward to this new era full of innovation, development and success”. As a group, we are now taking the time we have to further assess the situation and find the most competitive propulsion solution for 2022 and beyond, “said Horner.

Tost: It won’t be easy to replace Honda

Team boss Alpha Tauri says: “It is a shame that Honda has decided to end its involvement in Formula 1, because the performance of its transmission has improved steadily and rapidly, making it one of the best engines in the world in very little time”. I am confident that we will achieve good results in the remaining races this year and next. “

“We respect Honda’s decision to focus on environmental initiatives and fight for carbon neutrality,” says Tost, adding: “We would like to thank Honda for a fruitful collaboration and emphasize that we have enjoyed every day working with them. It will not be easy. find a partner like Honda, but of course we will now try to find a solution for the period after 2022. “

Only three manufacturers as of 2022

The start is certainly not a good sign for Formula 1. With Mercedes, Ferrari and Renault, there will only be three engine manufacturers from 2022. According to the current state, Mercedes will only supply its own factory equipment in addition to its own engine equipment. factory Aston Martin, McLaren and Williams, Ferrari, Haas and Alfa Romeo and Renault. So it would be logical for Red Bull and AlphaTauri to return to the French. But after the last breakup, that shouldn’t be the preferred option for Red Bull …

Marko: Understanding Honda’s Decision

Regarding Honda’s departure, Helmut Marko explains: “Both racing teams have built strong and successful relationships with Honda Motor Company over the past few seasons. We understand Honda’s decision and respect the direction they are taking to meet the new challenges. represent themselves in the auto industry, have come together. “

“Our immediate goal for the remainder of the 2020 and 2021 seasons is to fight for victories with Honda and to be title contenders. We will also work with our teams to find the best possible power unit solutions for 2022 and beyond. We remain engaged in sport because both teams have signed the current Concorde Agreement ”, he emphasizes.

Corona Kein Factor

At Honda they highlight that the crisis of the crown was not the decisive factor in the exit of Formula 1. Rather, it is about the long-term corporate strategy and not the short-term effects. The goal is to move forward with the goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

What does the exit mean for Red Bull?

It’s still unclear how things will go for Red Bull and AlphaTauri after 2021. Both teams now have to find a new partner engine. Red Bull team boss Christian Horner emphasizes that the focus now is on bringing the 2020 and 2021 seasons together to a successful conclusion. He also emphasizes that Red Bull still plans to stay in Formula 1 for the “long term”, even without Honda as a partner.

Honda is out!

Our day begins with a real bang: Honda has just announced that it will be leaving Formula 1 at the end of the 2021 season. More on that right here in the ticker!