Red Bull and Honda has formally initiated negotiations over the probability of becoming a partner in the next season of Formula 1 as Red Bull’s contract with Renault concludes this year.
Masashi Yamamoto, Chief of Honda’s Motor Sports Division, radiated the ‘positive’ vibes about the negotiations considering the potential future for both parties.
Yamamoto said, “It’s the starting point for a potential future. We discussed the conditions of both sides, what we expect of each other.”
He added, “It’s something we are starting to discuss now and it has to be smooth between Honda and Red Bull.
“I want to use the time we have left to discuss with the Honda board members before I take the feedback back to Red Bull to take the next steps.”
Renault’s Intimation
Renault had intimidated Red Bull about their wish to conclude their engagements at the end of their contract. The former have to provide intimation to authorities by mid of the next month about their possible engagement with latter for engines.
Renault, who had been in partnership with Red Bull since 2007, will have to provide power plants under their contract with F1 if the other party failed to secure a deal with Honda.
Red Bull and Renault won double titles from 2010 to 2013.
Red Bull took the opportunity to test the possible engine supplier for next season on track, before they could reach a conclusion. When McLaren decided to switch their supplier to Renault, Red Bull’s junior team secure a deal with Honda for this year season.
The energy drink giant played smart to test both available options, French and Japanese engines, on track to assess their relative track performances.
Red Bull believes that Honda will be able to make progress with their pace this winter, to handle a lag of 12 bhp relative to Renault’s power plant. The team is known for taking risks and there are probable chances of a successful deal with Honda.
According to FIA rules, the Engine Suppliers have to formally apprise the governing body over their customers by 15th May for next season. But last year McLaren deal with Renault was not formalize until September, which might provide time to Red Bull for making decision.
