F1 News
Honda can count on little support: 'I'm baffled by the timing'
For many it was quite a shock: Honda leaves Formula 1. It is therefore busy on the F1 social channels. Most are surprised, because why is Honda pulling the plug on the project right now?
Amazement at Honda's move
The fact that Honda is leaving Formula 1 comes as a bomb to many people. In 2026 there will be new engine regulations and it seems an ideal time to step out of or into Formula 1. The engine suppliers who are now in the sport have already spent a ridiculous amount of money on the development of the current engine and it is strange to suddenly put that aside.
However, that is what Honda will do. For 2021 it is developing a new improved engine for Red Bull Racing and AlphaTauri, but for 2022 those teams will have to look for a new supplier. The journalists are mainly surprised by Honda's move.
Big news and of course a real shame.
— Will Buxton (@wbuxtonofficial) October 2, 2020
Question now of what next for Red Bull teams. Produce their own engine? Convince a new supplier? Land Merc / Ferrari? Or, if all else fails, be forced back to Renault. https://t.co/Csf6Xfkkl2
Very bad news for F1. The non-arrival of new engine manufacturers and the departure of Honda makes it clear that F1's hybrid commitment has not met expectations, neither technical nor sporting. High costs and too much complexity. FIA hasn't been able to redress the situation. Bad
— Albert Fabrega (@AlbertFabrega) October 2, 2020
Honda spoke to Red Bull about the potential of quitting in August but only made the final decision at the end of September. Says it's an engineering resource decision rather than due to Covid-hit profits. Leaves Red Bull and AlphaTauri needing a new PU supplier in 2022 #F1
— Chris Medland (@ChrisMedlandF1) October 2, 2020
I'm bewildered by Honda's timing, TBH. All that R&D, all that sunk cost over the last five years. And it's NOW, right as they start winning (with two teams!), that they decide now's the time to leave. With 5 more years of fairly stable engine regulations ahead.
— Thomas Maher (@thomasmaheronf1) October 2, 2020
Give up
Louis Dekker of the NOS "still gets the feeling that the Japanese are throwing in the towel while things are just starting to run". The Dutch journalist voices his question marks about Honda's motives to stop now. They have only just started at Red Bull and already seem to give up the fight after a setback in 2020.
Natuurlijk kan Max Verstappen in 2021 met Red Bull-Honda nog wereldkampioen F1 worden, maar mij bekruipt toch het gevoel dat je Japanners de handdoek in de ring gooien terwijl het net begint te lopen
— Louis Dekker (@InvalAmberF1) October 2, 2020
Options for Red Bull
As we were able to list earlier, Patrick Moeke of NU also says that the options for Red Bull Racing in 2022 are limited. With the situation of the current engines, there is probably no engine supplier who wants to step in now and Red Bull will probably have to make do with Renault engines.
Ross Brawn heeft eerder al gezegd dat een nieuwe motorleverancier op zijn vroegst pas in 2025 zou kunnen instappen in de Formule 1. De opties voor Red Bull zijn dus heel beperkt. #F1
— Patrick Moeke (@PatrickMoeke) October 2, 2020
Tsunoda
Then one last thing about Honda's departure is the future of Yuki Tsunoda. The Honda protégé has been linked to the AlphaTauri seat in recent months, but the question is whether Honda's departure will affect his future? Will Tsunoda still get the chance at Red Bull or is this team now sailing a different course?
Honda leaving F1 after 2021. Let's see what this means for Yuki Tsunoda's changes of obtaining an F1 seat. #F1 #F2 #RedBull #AlphaTauri #Honda
— F1 Feeder Series (@F1FeederSeries1) October 2, 2020
Formula Motorsport Ltd pic.twitter.com/0W5h7it6w4
