Gothrek wrote: ↑19 Jun 2018, 09:29
I think the idea that RBR has is the following:
- To win WCC again in this engine formula you need to be a works team. RBR will never be a WCC with Renault again as long as Renault has it's own team + different fuel
Same logic behind Ron's decision to switch to Honda in the very first beginning...we know what followed.
On the fuel thing, it was Red Bull's decision to have a different supplier. Made little sense, as pointed out by Toto at the time.
- Renault is not that much better than Honda at the moment on the performance side
Agreed. I would add also that the engine architecture is quite different and it will require a complete redesign of the back of the car.
- As of 2021 there are new engines and the new engines will ditch the MGU-H which is Honda's weak point.
New engine rules, possibly new manufacturers at the horizon, and we all know how RBR loves to jump ship. How would Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Tag Heuer Porsche sound like ? I know, a ratatouille. Agreed.
So with the above, why not invest 2 years time to lay a strong foundation for 2021?
Because it is only 2019 and 2020 that matter right now. Nobody can guarantee you anything beyond that. Even at Honda... If they don't deliver in 2019 and 2020, the management might even decide to pull the plug.
Remember 2013, when Ferrari ditched the whole season to prepare for 2014 ? Result: well they were pretty much abysmal in 2014. Nothing is for granted, and laying foundation and everything else is just marketing talk for the ones that don't/can't deliver at the moment. Btw, remember the 2013 Mercedes ? They finished second in the Championship and they were the ones who improved the most during that season. Yep, all that with 2014 chassis and engine rules changes on the horizon.
I surely wouldn't underestimate Red Bull, they have the data from the Torro Rosso team on the Honda engine, so I am convinced they are making a brilliant move here.
I would really rate it as far from brilliant.
For RBR it will be a challenge to integrate the new PU and they put their 3rd place in Constructors in jeopardy. In fact I'm betting Renault will grasp that 3rd place in 2019. Let's wait and see
From a marketing perspective ditching your long time partner at the eve of their home grand prix, it is not the right thing to do. They could have chosen a different date for the announcement, but they didn't.
I would not be surprised to see consequences. (how would losing Adrian Newey would sound like ? Again let's wait and see)
At last, Honda. It is the Honda topic !
Is there any other partner that can behave worse than McLaren did during those years ? You bet there is one!
It's called RBR.
They proved year after year how toxic they can be for their partners, their own team members and drivers (btw if they lose Newey, I suspect this will be the main reason for him looking to walk away).
I really hope Honda is not offering them "free engines" or sponsorship on any kind.
I'm gutted, Honda deserved better than this. Much better !