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Wolff has no doubts Red Bull Honda will be competitive

Wolff has "no doubts" Red Bull Honda will be competitive

04-07-2018 11:15

Red Bull Honda. An exciting prospect or a doomed partnership? Were McLaren too quick to get rid or did they make a mistake? These questions will all be answered in the next couple of years, but Mercedes boss Toto Wolff believes that using Honda’s engines will be a positive for Red Bull.

Red Bull announced the news last month that they were dropping long term engine suppliers Renault in favour of Honda, who have been powering their junior team, Toro Rosso, this season.

It is a big risk from Red Bull, as Honda are unproven in the sport, and everyone has seen how horrific they were when powering McLaren for three years.

Toro Rosso have only been in the points three times this season, but Christian Horner and others at Red Bull have been impressed enough to make the switch.

Red Bull won four drivers’ and constructors’ titles with Renault, and Mercedes boss Wolff says that the success could return with Honda power.

“This is certainly the right step forward, looking from the outside, for all parties. It was important for Red Bull to have a works status,” the German said. “Long term probably the best chance to win a championship.

“Maybe short term, more work to do. But long terms, from where I sit, absolutely the right decision. I’m looking forward to tougher fights and tougher battles with Red Bull Honda.”

“I have also no doubt that they will be competitive. The collaboration will make another step between Toro Rosso, Honda and Red Bull for next year.

“And with Red Bull’s technical capabilities and resource they will certainly be of great assistance to make the power unit progress.”