Red Bull have announced that they have reached an agreement to take on Honda’s Formula One power unit technology.
Honda announced in October that they would be departing F1 at end of the 2021 season and with teams having agreed a power unit development freeze last week at a F1 meeting, Honda have now agreed to allow Red Bull to use their F1 power unit technology from the 2022 season onwards.
Terms of this deal only covers the duration of the freeze in development which enables both Red Bull and AlphaTauri to continue using Honda power until the next generation power units are introduced in 2025, having initially been set for a 2026 launch.
Speaking on the announcement, Red Bull’s Motorsport Advisor, Helmut Marko is ‘grateful’ to Honda for agreeing to this deal and ensuring both Red Bull and AlphaTauri will continue to be competitive in coming seasons.
Red Bull consequently will form a new company called Red Bull Powertrains Limited in order to run the new project, although the new division will be housed and operated within Red Bull’s main headquarters in Milton Keynes on their Technology Campus.
Marko is excited at the formation of Red Bull Powertrains Limited, saying: “The establishment of Red Bull Powertrains Limited is a bold move by Red Bull but it is one we have made after careful and detailed consideration.
“We are aware of the huge commitment required but we believe the creation of this new company is the most competitive option for both teams.”
Team Principal, Christian Horner meanwhile has hailed this announcement as ‘a significant step’ for Red Bull after the initial disappointment of Honda deciding to bow out despite enjoying immediate success with the team since partnering up in 2019.
Horner however is praising of the Japanese engine manufacturer’s effort to create competitive power units in recent seasons, saying: “Honda has invested significantly in hybrid technology to ensure the supply of competitive power units to both teams.
“We now begin the work of bringing the power unit division in-house and integrating the new facilities and personnel into our Technology Campus.”
Red Bull meanwhile iterated that their main focus is on achieving strong results in the upcoming season, as Sergio Perez partners Max Verstappen for what will be Honda’s last campaign as an official power unit supplier.
Leave a Reply