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Red Bull must make sure Honda understand the reality of F1 - Brawn

Red Bull must make sure Honda understand the reality of F1 - Brawn

04-01-2019 17:00 Last update: 17:03
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Bobby Vincent

Formula 1 boss Ross Brawn has insisted Red Bull Racing must ensure Honda is connected to the reality of Formula 1 if the engine manufacturer is to succeed with the energy drink brand in 2019.

Red Bull ended their long relationship with Renault as its engine manufacturer, after Honda convinced the team that it is able to produce engines that can challenge for titles after an impressive season with Red Bull's junior side, Toro Rosso.

Honda had previously had a torrid spell with McLaren; but poor reliability and performance forced the Woking-side to move on from the Japanese manufacturer.

"The secret to success with Honda is sort of connecting the engineers to the Formula 1 challenges," Brawn told Autosport. "When I arrived at Honda, the engineers were a little bit remote from the reality of what was needed.

"My job was to connect the engineers and make sure they were working on the right things and they had the priorities, the information, the real picture about what was happening.

"When I arrived there was a view that their engine was one of the best. Because I was familiar with the Ferrari, it was clear it wasn't one of the best. So connecting the Honda people with the real situation, helping them understand what the priorities are, and understanding where they should be focused, was one of the most important elements.

"I think Red Bull will be very good at making sure Honda have that clarity of what should be focused on."