No clause linked to Honda departure for Verstappen and Albon according to Horner

Announced last week, the departure of the F1 from Honda at the end of 2021 logically raises a number of questions, particularly on the future identity of the couple's engine manufacturer Red Bull Racing - Team Alpha Tauri, from the change in technical regulations expected for 2022.

It is also about the rest of the career of Max Verstappen that questions emerge, Honda's investment at the time of the alliance established with Red Bull Racing having impressed the Dutchman at the time.

However, Christian horner, Team Principal of the Milton Keynes team, assures him that this major upheaval should not impact the contractual situation of his star driver.

“People keep wondering if Honda's departure means a change in our driver duo or if Max will leave the team, repeats Horner in his column for his team's website.

I can tell you that despite the fact that the contracts are private, there are no Honda-related clauses in Max or Alex's contracts, so it doesn't change anything. I had a good chat with Max before the announcement and he is equally motivated, optimistic and confident in the team. »

If the situation on the drivers' side seems clear for the British boss, the difficult work of finding an engine manufacturer for 2022 remains the priority today for the medium-term future of his training.

But the tightening of performances between engine blocks since the advent of hybridization reassures the Milton Keynes management in a sense.

“Now that the situation is clear and we have time, for which we are grateful to Honda, we need to find a solution around a competitive powertrain for 2022 and beyond, continues Horner.

The time we have now will allow us to evaluate all options and possibilities. We won races during the Hybrid Era with two different Power Units (Renault then Honda).

So we focus a lot on the chassis and what it offers, and whatever powertrain we use, we will aim to perform well. We've seen all Power Units converge over the last twelve months, so the landscape is changing as everyone becomes more competitive. »