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Honda surprised everyone today by announcing its exit from the Formula One World Championship at the end of next year, after six seasons it had spent in the championship since its return in 2015, and despite achieving successes with Red Bull and its team of reserve Alpha Tauri for the last two seasons.
In its statement on the decision to withdraw from Formula One competitions, the Japanese manufacturer explained that fear of the large volume of investments required to execute its program in the championship contributed to making that decision, in addition to its eagerness to switch to energy. electric power completely in your products.
Ralph Schumacher stated that Honda had a great association with Red Bull, as he was as surprised as everyone by the surprise decision of the Japanese manufacturer.
He said: “It’s kind of surprising, and I don’t think strategically very smart. Honda has had a great partnership with Red Bull and it’s a very small car brand.”
He continued: “I think that’s where the problem lies, as Honda faced very bad numbers and, as you know, Formula One is an expensive and complicated sport. So they decided not to continue.”
He added: “Red Bull now has to find a new partner engine, and Mercedes will not be an option. There is no reason to just establish a relationship, at least not yet.”
“There is a similar problem at Renault, where I think they were not very happy with their partnership there, and now the situation will be much more difficult with Abitbol taking over as CEO of Albin or fully managing the motorsports program. But there is still time until the end of 2021 “. “.
And Abizaid: “Another available option may be to build your own unique engine, but you have the energy and capabilities for that.”
Speaking of what that means for Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, Schumacher said: “Honda will definitely boost their energy, and I don’t think they did a bad job as I’m sure they will do their best to give Max the opportunity he wants, so I think everything will hold steady. ” There will still be a good engine at Red Bull. “
By contrast, Schumacher sees no danger in there being only three engine manufacturers in Formula One.
“Mercedes will continue to be a part of Formula One no matter what,” he said, “We have to admit that Renault has also done a great job and has always risen to the highest level in its customer program, so I don’t see any risk that there are not enough manufacturers At some point, perhaps in 2025/26, there is still a rumor that the Volkswagen Group and Porsche will return to the championship, and that will be great of course.
