Horner plays down Red Bull's 2019 expectations
- Published on 02 Aug 2018 14:45
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- By: Fergal Walsh
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner says that the team shouldn't expect too much success in 2019, as it will be an "interim" year. The energy drink squad will switch to Honda power, ending its long relationship with engine supplier Renault.
After enjoying four successive world championships together, Renault has struggled in the V6 hybrid era which commenced in 2014. This year, Red Bull's junior team Toro Rosso is running with Honda power, and have claimed top ten finishes on several occasions.
Honda has struggled since entering the sport as an engine supplier in 2015, spending three unsuccessful years with McLaren. And Horner is not expecting to be challenging for titles next year in Red Bull's maiden year with the Japanese manufacturer.
"I certainly expect that the first year will be an interim year for us," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "Compared to the competition, the necessary steps still have to be taken at Honda.
Speaking about the current relationship with Renault, Horner added: "We wanted more. We could have won in Bahrain and had a double podium in China and Monaco. But we are the only ones who can make life difficult for Ferrari and Mercedes," Horner concluded.
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Replies (7)
Login to replyjj284b
Posts: 22
Did Honda gave him their data just now?
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
lol. There is something about Honda that makes team managers speak from both sides of their mouth. The amount of unjustified optimism and consequent lowering of expectations is amusing. We saw it with McLaren, Toro Rosso, and now Red Bull.
denis1304
Posts: 284
We could have won in Bahrain... what? is he high on Red Bull
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Pretty much expected, but cant help but hope that Honda will get it right and steamroll Renault.
Norbert
Posts: 108
I guess there not many companies left that can deliver an F1 engine. Someone has to take the Honda. Honda reaches its arms out and tries but always it’s ball-to-the-face. Max going to swear his head off behind Haas and Renault.
boudy
Posts: 1,168
An year is a long time in F1. Setting expectations low means that it's easier to look good. Honda want to be competing for wind next year. That means that they will need to invest heavily into getting people on-board from Mercedes and Ferrari engine departments with an in-depth knowledge of current crop of engines.
blade
Posts: 341
Honda has a budget equal to all - they will crack it and RB will excel - but not in 2019. Let's not damn this famous company - they are great for the sport and I wish them every success after a difficult re-introduction to the pinnacle of motorsport. I lost a lot of respect for Horner the way he and Marko openly criticised Renault - I wonder if Honda have a clause demanding internal discussions only - bored listening to the whingeing.