Red Bull praises Honda engine layout

After 12 years of engine collaboration with Renault, the Austrian team has joined its junior team in the fold of the Japanese manufacturer, Toro Rosso flying the Honda flag for 12 months. 

At the end of the first day of winter testing in Barcelona, ​​the results are encouraging with 128 laps on the clock for Max Verstappen and the RB15 as well as the 4th best time. Despite these positive first steps, Horner is aware that the Japanese manufacturer's rivals have not been sitting idle during the off-season. 

« I think Honda has had a productive winter so far and they have clearly closed the gap, declared the main team Red Bull Racing from Barcelona. Afterwards, you never know what others are doing. If they found 50 kilowatts, we have a big problem ».

Horner, however, claims that Red Bull's new propellant represents a step forward " on all aspects » and welcomes the possibility of registering in “ a real partnership and no longer a supplier-customer relationship », in reference to the Renault years.

« We've been impressed with Honda's approach and the progress they've made, he added. For us, it's a vital piece of the puzzle that, when put together, will allow us to get back into contention for the top roles, not just this season but beyond.

Power is a determining factor but I have to say that the installation of this engine in the chassis is probably the best we have ever had. When you see how everything fits together perfectly, it really is a little marvel. Hats off to the engineering team who did a superb job with Honda to integrate what looks like a Swiss watch into the rear of our chassis.s ".

We saw last season how complicated it was for engine manufacturers, notably Honda, to respect the annual allocation of 3 internal combustion engines, 3 MGU-H, and 3 turbochargers, 2 MGU-K, 2 batteries, and 2 electronic controls. Horner readily acknowledges that it is not impossible to consider strategic penalties in 2019 as well. 

« We saw in previous years that we could sort of choose the Grand Prix where to take an engine penalty, concluded the British manager. If we look at Russia last year, Max started from the back of the grid and was back in the Top 5 on the sixth lap. If it makes sense in terms of motor development, then we can try to mitigate the impact of the sanction ». 

In the meantime, the honeymoon between Red Bull and its new Japanese partner continues.