Priestley: 'Commitment from Honda in 2021 not at all certain'

Red Bull will take over the Honda engines from 2022 onwards, as was confirmed earlier this week. What has not yet been determined is how this adventure will end. In the long term, it should allow Red Bull Racing to compete with the best teams without being dependent on anyone manufacturer.

"It feels like a good solution," says former McLaren mechanic Marc Priestley in his latest vlog on Youtube. "Not just for Red Bull, but for all of us, because it ensures that one of Mercedes' main competitors can stay at the front in an ideal world."

2021 is crucial

There is one big 'but' in this story, however, and that is what will happen next season. The freeze on engine regulations means Red Bull can pay for the use of its engines beyond 2022, but then Honda must ensure it is on more or less equal terms with Mercedes next season.

"You do need a certain level of commitment from Honda during 2021 so that Red Bull can start with a competitive powerplant in 2022. Given that Honda will be leaving the sport at the end of the season, that is by no means a certainty," Priestley said.