Toro Rosso now linked with Honda switch
- Published on 16 Jul 2017 18:53
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- By: Chris Soulsby
Toro Rosso has become the latest team to be linked to a switch to Honda power in 2018. This is the most recent twist in a story that has dominated headlines in recent weeks regarding Honda's future in Formula 1, with a divorce between McLaren and the engine supplier looking probable and the Sauber-Honda deal in doubt.
"Red Bull's B team has grown up and could go its own way with Honda," said Michael Schmidt of Auto Motor und Sport. "A decision is due in the summer." Stories about Honda have been floating around the F1 paddock all weekend in Silverstone, with McLaren officials reportedly being spotted in talks with Renault and the Woking-based team apparently assuring Fernando Alonso that if he signs for the team in 2018 that there will be a top engine in the car over dinner.
"We had a nice dinner and Fernando even picked up the bill," said McLaren's Zak Brown. "He feels comfortable with us and we understand each other well. He made it very clear that he wants to be in formula one next year."
"On a personal level the relationship with Honda is good," said Brown. "But I think everyone understands that we need a much better engine, and that's why all this is going on." Whatever the outcome, it appears to be clear that McLaren may split with Honda in order to keep Alonso at the team next season.
Chris Soulsby
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Replies (12)
Login to replyBarron
Posts: 625
Smoke and mirrors....
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
If this really is true, a big if, then that could be Red Bull probing Honda for a full switch to them. I doubt it, but it could be.
boudy
Posts: 1,168
Nope makes absolute sense. If mclaren switch from Honda than redbull will switch to Honda becoming their factory team. Together with the expierence of Renault issues last year they would be force to reckoned with.
Wolfgang
Posts: 313
I think McLaren is going back to Mercedes next year, otherwise they can´t keep Alonso..
But on the other hand, if Sainz is going to be at Renault from hungary onwards why would they need Alonso anymore, so where should Fernando go then in 2018?! I don´t think they drop either Hulk or Sainz at the end of 2017..
One aspect in that engine context from above is the worksteam Renault:
I think Renault don´t want to deliver engines to Red Bull any more in the future when the Works-Renault is going to be competitive again, let´s say from 2019/2020 onwards.. From a chassis point of view the Red Bull is always going to be a very good car which probably is nearly unbeatable when having the same engine..
So in my view giving Toro Rosso and Sauber Honda engines makes sense for Honda.. They develop those engines more and more and after this engine is reliable and strong enough Red Bull is going to have this engine as well..
mclarenfan1968
Posts: 1,027
Even a Renault engine at this point is far FAR better than the hyena shit that is the Honda engine. Honda should be packed up, go back to Japan, there after perform seppuku and rid themselves of their misery. B spec, A spec, reliability spec, excuses spec, late cause of traffic spec, lame ass bullsh!t spec. Get the phuc out of the sport, don't waste the space and resources.
Bhurt
Posts: 320
Good to see you're in a good mood today.
mclarenfan1968
Posts: 1,027
Thanks, I am quite enjoying kicking your tail like it's some random abandoned football just for lulz over at the other thread! B-)
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Im so glad that you two get along so well.
mclarenfan1968
Posts: 1,027
@calle.itw, well what can I say? Looks like I have a constant source of entertainment from BHURT just being a big BHURT if you get my drift teehee.
Bhurt
Posts: 320
Kicking my tail like it's some random abandoned football just for lulz?
I bet you dress just like Lewis Hamilton.
talktohenry
Posts: 362
Perfect Toro Rosso get engine if it works and becomes competitive in 18/19 then RB sign a full works deal.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Pretty much what I read from it aswell, assuming this is legit.