Honda's announcement last year to
leave the world of F1 after 2021 had shook the sport. Not only they are performing better than their years with McLaren, this also led to another big question – What engine will Red Bull and AlphaTauri run after this? Mercedes? Ferrari? Renault? A lot of us did not seen this coming as Red Bull will actually
continue running Honda's engines until 2025.
Engine Freeze until 2025?
SOCHI, RUSSIA - SEPTEMBER 26: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (33) Aston Martin Red Bull Racing RB16 and Pierre Gasly of France driving the (10) Scuderia AlphaTauri AT01 Honda on track during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Russia at Sochi Autodrom on September 26, 2020 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Not long after Honda's announcement, Red Bull had seek a freeze on engine development which will allow them to continue using Honda power units without a costly development. Since the F1 Commission unanimously agreed to the engine freeze last week which will span from 2022-2024, Red Bull immediately acquired the IP to Honda's power unit to keep using them through this period.
This interesting move has led to the birth of Red Bull creating their own in-house engine division. The Red Bull Powertrains Limited will be the new company supplying engines for both Red Bull Racing and AlphaTauri from 2022 until the start of the new F1 engine era, which is set to take off in 2025.
Staying Competitive With The Field
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - NOVEMBER 16: Alexander Albon of Thailand driving the (23) Aston Martin Red Bull Racing RB15 on track during final practice for the F1 Grand Prix of Brazil at Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace on November 16, 2019 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
“We are grateful for Honda's collaboration in this regard and for helping to ensure that both Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri continue to have competitive power units,” said Red Bull advisor, Helmut Marko.
“The establishment of Red Bull Powertrains Limited is a bold move by Red Bull but it is one we have made after careful and detailed consideration. We are aware of the huge commitment required but we believe the creation of this new company is the most competitive option for both teams,” he added.
“We were understandably disappointed when Honda made the decision to leave the sport as an engine manufacturer, as our relationship yielded immediate success, but we are grateful for their support in facilitating this new agreement,” said team boss Christian Horner.
“Honda has invested significantly in hybrid technology to ensure the supply of competitive power units to both teams. We now begin the work of bringing the power unit division in-house and integrating the new facilities and personnel into our Technology Campus.”
