Honda can count on little support: 'I'm baffled by the timing'

F1 News

2 October 2020 at 11:25
Last update 2 October 2020 at 11:34
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  • Matt Gretton
  • Editor-in-Chief

For many it was quite a shock: Honda leaves Formula 1. It is therefore busy on the F1 social channels. Most are surprised, because why is Honda pulling the plug on the project right now?

Amazement at Honda's move

The fact that Honda is leaving Formula 1 comes as a bomb to many people. In 2026 there will be new engine regulations and it seems an ideal time to step out of or into Formula 1. The engine suppliers who are now in the sport have already spent a ridiculous amount of money on the development of the current engine and it is strange to suddenly put that aside.

However, that is what Honda will do. For 2021 it is developing a new improved engine for Red Bull Racing and AlphaTauri, but for 2022 those teams will have to look for a new supplier. The journalists are mainly surprised by Honda's move.

Give up

Louis Dekker of the NOS "still gets the feeling that the Japanese are throwing in the towel while things are just starting to run". The Dutch journalist voices his question marks about Honda's motives to stop now. They have only just started at Red Bull and already seem to give up the fight after a setback in 2020.

Options for Red Bull

As we were able to list earlier, Patrick Moeke of NU also says that the options for Red Bull Racing in 2022 are limited. With the situation of the current engines, there is probably no engine supplier who wants to step in now and Red Bull will probably have to make do with Renault engines.

Tsunoda

Then one last thing about Honda's departure is the future of Yuki Tsunoda. The Honda protégé has been linked to the AlphaTauri seat in recent months, but the question is whether Honda's departure will affect his future? Will Tsunoda still get the chance at Red Bull or is this team now sailing a different course?