Christian Horner, Red Bull principal, not ready to commit to Honda beyond 2021 as it is too early.
Formula 1 regulations are going to be majorly over-hauled by FIA for 2021 and the uncertainty around it caused no deal beyond it between Red Bull and Honda.
The teams, Red Bull and Toro Rosso, can only decided after the announcement of regulations.
The Japanese manufacturer had two year contract when the team switched from Renault to Honda. However, they have reached an agreement to extend their arrangements for another year in 2021.
Honda has pushed back and regain good place among engine manufacturers. It had enjoyed its position with Max Verstappen, who managed to win three races.
Additionally, Toro Rosso who is also engaged with the same manufacturer was able to find its place on the podium, with Pierre Gasly and Daniil Kvyat, despite being a mid runner team.
In 2021, Formula 1 will be reshaped through enactment of new regulations over finances, sports and technical domains.
These changes will put restrictions on multiple F1 factors and especially on engine development providing competitive opportunity for all. Horner believes that this had made Honda to shy away from committing beyond 2021.
“It’s great news that they’ve committed beyond 2020, so we’ve got a minimum of two years that we’re absolutely fixed on,” he told Sky Sports.
“They’re just waiting to see what are the regulations that are going to come in either for 2021, or primarily ’22 with regards to homologation or engine freezes to get the costs down.
“These engines are enormously expensive, and the technology involved. I think all the manufacturers together want to see some cost reduction in that area.
“We’re talking about the future. The discussion wasn’t just about ’21. There’s a real appetite there to build on what we’ve achieved so far in this relationship. It’s a great partnership between Red Bull and Honda as we’ve seen this year.
“I think the key aspect moving forward is absolute clarity on those rules.”
Red Bull, especially Horner, had been happy how the switching from French to Japenese manufacturer worked out for them.
“Three victories this year, could have potentially been more, two pole positions – three that we achieved but didn’t start from pole on one of those three occasions – it’s been a great year for them,” he said.
“The reliability has been better, the performance has been getting stronger and stronger. You can see that in motion with the pride, the passion that exists within Honda. It’s great to see and great to be part of.
“It’s very easy to embrace people that are enjoying and sharing the same goals and objectives. That’s been a great journey this year. It’s a very different relationship, very different partnership.”
