diffuser wrote: ↑02 Nov 2020, 02:13
godlameroso wrote: ↑02 Nov 2020, 02:00
If Honda leaves RBR with a 2022 power unit, they'd be stuck with it and be able to see out 2022 but they'd be behind for 2023, and they would likely fall behind Renault forcing them to take that power unit.
I don't think you could prove to me that they are ahead now.
For the sake of argument I understand what you saying, they'll be able to increase their lead and or pass them.
Not sure where you're going with this. Renault wanted a freeze, Honda + RBR said no. Renault started a large investment in a new PU. Now Honda say they're pulling out. so now RBR wants a freeze cause , per your argument, they want to lock in a edge over Ferrari and Renault PU.
You think there is a chance in hell that happens? To me it looks like both Ferrari and Renault have duggin pretty deep against this.
It's kind of weird that Honda has done a complete about face.
Power wise perhaps Renault is thereabouts with Honda, packaging wise, they're behind. Renault is switching to the split turbo layout, and making that change in addition to improving the combustion engine is why Renault is making a big investment. Remember that it took Honda over a year to get their package reliable enough, Renault will likely have to endure similar teething issues, as will Ferrari. Because both Ferrari and Renault are on the back foot and are making a big investment to update the power unit to the split turbo layout, they would not agree to having the engines frozen. First they want a return on their investment, secondly, they don't want to be stuck with an uncompetitive product.
I don't think they necessarily want Honda to be a bottom tier power unit, they just don't want to feel like they're getting screwed over by the FIA. Mercedes is fine with an early engine freeze, then it stands to reason they are confident with the performance of their power unit whereas the others are not. Red Bull is not confident they can keep up with the development of the other OEMs, and the other OEMs are not confident they can match either Honda or Mercedes with their concepts by 2022.
By 2023 the power units will be in their final frozen form.
There is still a way for all OEMs to compromise, but it would take the FIA getting involved. There are a lot of financial considerations which makes this subject very delicate.