Red Bull’s connection with Honda, according to Max Verstappen, is “far more integrated” than the team’s previous relationship with Renault.
There were clear conflicts between Red Bull team principal Christian Horner and former Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul when the French manufacturer supplied Red Bull with engines, despite their inferior performance to competitors Mercedes and Ferrari.
The switch to Honda has since been advantageous for Red Bull, not only in terms of performance, but also, as the World Championship leader stated, in terms of how they operate together on a daily basis.
“The relationship is different now, purely because we work much more integrated than before,” Verstappen said.
“It’s just a very different mentality, and I’m not saying that to criticise Renault, but it’s very different. I really enjoy working with Honda.”
Red Bull Powertrains has now been established in the aftermath of Honda’s incipient departure, and while the Japanese marque will continue to assit in their development until 2022 as a transition, they have since stated that when the new engine formula arrives in 2026, Red Bull will be designing their new power unit without assistance.
Several members of Mercedes’ power unit division have been recruited as part of the team’s recruitment campaign. With things going according to plan in preparation for becoming their own ‘factory’ team for engine supply, their lead driver is pleased with the amount of effort the team is putting into the project.
“Of course, we are fully committed to that now, so I have a lot of confidence in that,” Verstappen said.
“Only time will show how it will go. You can’t fill that in yet. Red Bull is, of course, doing everything it can to make it a success.”
Red Bull’s one-off Honda livery in Istanbul received widespread approval for the way it looked on their car, which was installed in recognition of the team’s and engine manufacturer’s recent partnership.
Given Red Bull’s prior testy relationship with Renault, the Dutchman was pleased to see the two companies cooperate on that special tribute.
“The livery was intended for the Japanese Grand Prix weekend in Suzuka, but it is nice that we still put it on the car in Turkey,” Verstappen said.
“That shows how good the relationship is. [It was] very nice to see.”
The uniforms of Formula One racing drivers are currently available at the following websites for a reasonable price:
