Red Bull has confirmed it will switch to Honda power for the 2019 Formula 1 season.
The team will end its association with Renault, whose engines powered Red Bull to four consecutive constructors’ championships from 2010 to 2013.
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The new deal with Honda covers the 2019 and 2020 seasons. Team principal Christian Horner described the agreement as “the start of an exciting new phase in Aston Martin Red Bull Racing’s efforts to compete not just for grand prix wins but for what is always our goal – championship titles.”
“We have always taken decisions such as this dispassionately and with only one criterion in mind – do we believe the outcome will allow us to compete at a higher level. After careful consideration and evaluation we are certain this partnership with Honda is the right direction for the team.”
Honda returned to Formula 1 with McLaren in 2015, but that partnership ended after the 2017 season amid frustration over reliability and lack of power. Toro Rosso took over Honda’s engine supply in 2018, and early results suggested significant improvement: Pierre Gasly produced an impressive fourth place in the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Red Bull had used Renault engines since 2007. Relations between the two parties deteriorated after their championship-winning years, culminating in a win-less 2015 season for Red Bull. Horner said the team was encouraged by Honda’s progress with Toro Rosso and believed the change could help them challenge at a higher level.
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Honda president Takahiro Hachigo said working with both Red Bull and Toro Rosso will accelerate development.
“Having two teams means we can access twice as much data as previously,” he said. “We believe that working with both Toro Rosso and Red Bull Racing will allow us to get closer to our goal of winning races and championships, building two strong partnerships.
“Discussions proceeded very quickly, thanks to Red Bull’s open and respectful attitude towards Honda, leading to a deal that is fair and equitable for all parties.”
Renault issued a statement acknowledging the end of its relationship with Red Bull.
“Two years after Renault’s return as a works team, we consider this is a natural evolution for both Renault and Red Bull Racing in view of their respective aspirations,” the statement said.
“In an extremely demanding and competitive environment we are proud of the extraordinary results achieved with Red Bull Racing over the past 12 seasons, in particular the four Drivers’ and Constructors’ World Championships and 57 wins we have taken together.
“After two seasons, we are fully focused on the strong progression of Renault Sport Formula One Team, while continuing to foster the fresh relationship with McLaren Racing.”
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This article will be updated.
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