According to Brundle, Honda leaving exposes an underlying problem in sport

According to Martin Brundle, Honda's departure from F1 exposes a greater underlying problem. Today's engines are so complex that it is impossible for suppliers to keep up with the big Mercedes. 

Yesterday's news hit the world of Formula 1 like a bomb: Honda will leave the sport in 2022. As a result, Red Bull and AlphaTauri have a problem. The teams will have to find a new engine supplier. Mercedes does not seem to be an option, Ferrari is not even mentioned as a possibility and the connection with Renault is still not optimal.

"Current engines are too expensive and complex"

But according to Sky Sports analyst Martin Brundle, Honda's departure illustrates a much bigger problem within the sport. "I've always felt that these current V6 hybrid engines were a mistake because they're too heavy, too expensive and too complex. I know Formula 1 are currently working on the new 2026 engine and the relevance and importance of that will have just taken a great big step forward with this announcement."

"You can't imagine any other manufacturers wanting to join in with a super-expensive hybrid F1 engine now, it's not relevant to their future business models. So it's now about what F1 does next in terms of creating an exciting power unit for the show and the fans. We all miss the V8s and the V10s. For me, Formula 1 is entertainment first and foremost and we've got to have a power unit that entertains and excites."