Red Bull prepared for grid drops in 2019 with Honda

Red Bull has already considered the prospect of taking grid penalties during the 2019 season in order to continue the development of their new Honda power unit.

The team switched from Renault power after a disappointing period with the French manufacturer since the beginning of the hybrid era in 2014.

In a risky swap, Red Bull will be powered by Honda in 2019 alongside Toro Rosso however the team hasn't ruled out taking yet more grid penalties throughout this season in order to develop the Japanese power unit further.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner admitted that it was something the team was considering already.

"You saw in previous years if you pick the penalties at the right venues," he is quoted by Crash.net. 

“In Russia last year Max was already back in the top five by lap six so if you pick the right venue and assists the development of the power unit then strategically you can lessen the pain.

"I think Honda have had a good winter and certainly they are reducing that gap significantly but of course what you don’t know is what the others have done.

“If they have found another 50kw then we’ve got a big issue. We’ve been very impressed by the approach of Honda and the progress that they’ve made. 

“For us it’s a vital piece of the jigsaw to get us into a competitive position not just for this year but for next year and potentially beyond.”