F1 News

Horner: Honda different to Renault

Horner: Honda different to Renault

06-02-2019 19:00
34
Author profile picture

Bobby Vincent

Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner has revealed how impressed he is with the team's new power unit supplier, Honda, from what he's witnessed so far.

Red Bull's junior team Toro Rosso drove with Honda power units throughout the 2018 season, and the Japanese manufacturer impressed despite its woeful spell with McLaren.

Many have tipped Honda and Red Bull to be a successful partnership - and perhaps even challenge the likes of Mercedes and Ferrari for the world championship.

"Honda is experiencing a strong winter. Red Bull Technology has been working with Honda for 12 months, resulting in gearbox and powertrain for Toro Rosso," Horner told Speedweek. 

"So we had a good look at their evolution. And they are in a good way. I believe that the stability of the engine regulations Honda helps. They are committed to their concept, and for the first time since their return to F1, they have not had to start again for the coming season.

"Of course everything will depend on how strong the competition is. But in terms of its own data, Honda has made nice progress."

Horner's team have a new line-up next season - with Max Verstappen staying at the Milton Keynes-based team - but with Daniel Ricciardo's departure, Pierre Gasly moves on from Toro Rosso to link up with Red Bull.