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(Motorsport-Total.com) – The news is a surprise: Honda will finish its Formula 1 project at the end of the 2021 season and will once again say goodbye to the premier class. The Japanese announced it at a press conference on Friday. Honda justified this step with a shift in focus in the auto industry, where they want to be CO2 neutral by 2050.
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Honda to say goodbye to Formula 1 after 2021 season Focus
The 2021 season will be contested alongside Red Bull and AlphaTauri as engine manufacturers, after which the Bulls will have to find a new driving partner. The engine maker only re-entered Formula 1 in 2015 and had three unsuccessful years with McLaren before turning to the Red Bull family.
According to Takahiro Tachigo, president of Honda Motor Company, the decision to leave was not made until the end of September. “We have decided that we want to accelerate our efforts in the area of sustainable technologies, so we must focus on carbon-free technologies,” says Tachigo.
“To achieve this goal, Honda must change its research and development in the field of future powertrain technologies,” continued the president.
Red Bull: “Respect the background”
At Red Bull, this decision is made with serenity: “As a team, we understand how difficult it was for Honda Motor Company to make the decision to withdraw from Formula 1 after the 2021 season,” says team boss Christian Horner. “The changing focus on the auto industry has led to Honda’s decision to switch resources. We understand and respect the background.”
“This decision naturally presents us with challenges as a team, but we were already in this situation. And because we are well positioned, we are equipped to react effectively, as we have already demonstrated in the past,” Horner continued. “We thank everyone at Honda for their extraordinary efforts and determination.”
Photo gallery: Honda milestones in Formula 1
The first factory Honda was already on a Formula 1 circuit in 1964. The car will initially be driven by American Ronny Bucknum.
Photo gallery
Red Bull motorsports consultant Helmut Marko also shares the same note: “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. taking in view of the new challenges that are represented in the automotive industry “.
During the rest of the time together, the goal is to fight together for victories and be a contender for the title. “In addition, we will work with our teams to find the best possible power unit solutions for 2022 and beyond.”
Red Bull emphasizes: Formula 1 stay safe!
At Red Bull, they also emphasize that they want to stay in Formula 1 despite Honda’s departure. The team recently signed the Concorde Agreement until 2025. “Since we signed the last Concorde Agreement for Formula 1, Red Bull Racing’s long-term commitment to the sport will continue,” confirms Horner.
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Red Bull regrets the departure of its motor partner Focus
“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 transmission solution for 2022 and beyond,” said the team leader.
Honda has achieved five racing victories since his return, four with Max Verstappen at Red Bull and one with Pierre Gasly at AlphaTauri. This makes the Japanese the only manufacturer that could win with more than one team in the turbo era.
Honda emphasizes progress
“Initially we had issues with performance and reliability. But thanks to the efforts of the entire Honda group, including knowledge of our research in the field of jet engines and knowledge of series production to improve efficiency, we have succeeded in our significantly improve competitiveness, “says President Tachigo.
The Japanese continues: “AlphaTauri, then still Toro Rosso, believed in our potential and signed a contract with us. Since then, they have supported Honda, and since then we have improved together.”
Besides Red Bull, AlphaTauri also has to look for a new partner engine. However, with the departure of Honda, the selection has been narrowed: as it stands, there will only be three drive manufacturers in 2021 with Mercedes, Ferrari and Renault.
Franz Tost laments Aus: “One of the best engines”
“It is a shame that Honda has decided to end its participation in Formula 1, because the performance of its drivetrain has improved steadily and rapidly, so that it became one of the best engines on the grid in very little time, “says AlphaTauri- Team Leader Franz Tost.
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“We respect Honda’s decision to focus on environmental initiatives and strive for CO2 neutrality. Everyone at AlphaTauri wishes him every success and a successful future,” said the Austrian.
“We would like to thank Honda for a fruitful cooperation and emphasize that we have enjoyed every day working together. It will not be easy to find a partner like Honda, but of course we will now try to find a solution for the period after 2022.” find.”
