Renault or Honda? Red Bull delays the choice of its 2019 engine by an additional month!
Renault will ultimately have to wait until the beginning of July to learn of Red Bull Racing's decision for the next season. The Austrian team wants to take the time to reflect on whether to choose between the French engine manufacturer or Honda.
Less than ten days ago, Cyril Abiteboul stated on our site that Red Bull “had to decide by June at the latest.” To decide on the difficult choice regarding the engine supplier for 2019: will Red Bull continue with Renault or turn to Honda? The general manager was perhaps a little too confident. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner announced that the decision would not be made for a few weeks: “by the end of June, beginning of July. That is the timing we have always mentioned,” the head of the four-time world champion team even remarked.
His choice is justified as follows: « we want to compare the two engines in Canada. »
By the way, Christian Horner seems to affirm that Red Bull Racing will benefit from the B version of the Renault engine, introduced for the coming weekend, even if doubts remain. We will have some small developments in Montreal. But we want to make the most of them, it’s very important for us. In this case, the best may no longer be at Viry-Châtillon. The Milton Keynes team is closely monitoring the evolution of the Honda engine in the Toro Rosso. And unlike the four turbulent seasons with McLaren, the Japanese clan is making a mark this year… with its reliability.
Pleased with our reliability again this weekend, Tanabe-san gives us the low-down on Race Day 📝 #F1 #MonacoGP pic.twitter.com/dyoRcfRyDJ
— Honda Racing F1 (@HondaRacingF1) May 27 /f1/news/22708-exclusive-cyril-abiteboul-we-are-on-track-with-our-overall-roadmap.html
On the other side of the negotiation table, this surprise decision is obviously regretted by the boss of the Renault Sport F1 Team.« They wanted to wait until Canada. But there will ultimately be no revelations: I do not understand this evasive behavior. »
Impatience is starting to set in for Cyril Abiteboul, who will soon have to order engine parts for next year.
« We want to continue with Red Bull if they give us a three-year guarantee. This way, we can plan, invest, and develop our resources safely. » But Renault’s partner since 2007 is indeed being elusive about whether or not to extend the partnership. Without a doubt, the performances seen in Montreal will be decisive, on a circuit that heavily emphasizes engine power.
