Honda: "Red Bull's performance can't drop"

Honda boss Masashi Yamamoto says that his team do not want Red Bull to drop “below its current level” following new partnership deal.

There could be potential pressure for Honda after a long and successful partnership between Red Bull and former engine suppliers Renault.

The deal was officially announced this morning following months of speculation that Red Bull were thinking about the switch.

Yamamoto was talking about his team’s targets during this deal.

“Red Bull is one of the top teams,” Yamamoto said.

“It has won several championships and this year too it has already won some races.

“It is also obvious that they have a very good chassis and this means we’ll have better chances of winning races.

“This gives further motivation to all members of Honda, but at the same time, it is a huge pressure and responsibility for us.

“However, it is Honda’s nature to always aspire to a very high target, and I think that’s what makes Honda, Honda.

“As a starting point, we do not want to see Red Bull Racing’s performance drop below its current level.

“But our target is to go further and do better than they are doing at the moment."

Yamamoto said that the agreement is a fair one for both parties involved.

“We will have to live up to their high expectations, but we can see their respect for us,” Yamamoto said.

“We will put everything we have into the development for next season.”