Decoding the Options Left Before Red Bull F1 After Honda’s Shock Exit

Honda recently announced their exit from Formula One post-2021 season. The Japanese manufacturer assured both their customers of a new Power Unit for the next season. But the question that looms over everyone’s head is what next for Red Bull and AlphaTauri after 2021?

Red Bull does not have a wide range of options to choose from at the moment. The team is restricted to just three Power Unit suppliers in Formula 1.

From the three, Mercedes could be their best option considering their engines have dominated the sport over the last five years.

The problem with this option is that Mercedes views the Austrian team as a threat on the track. As a result, supplying their powerful Power Unit could make Red Bull stronger and Mercedes may even end up losing their Constructors’ Championship battle to Red Bull in the future.

Hence, it would be a surprise if the German manufacturers even consider supplying their engine to Red Bull.

The next option for the team could be Ferrari. But unfortunately, the Italian team are going through one of their worst years in Formula 1 at the moment. But Ferrari mentioned that they have already started developing a new engine for the 2022 season.

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Hence, the uncertainty prevails over how their performance would be in 2022 as it would be wrong to judge their performance by looking at the ongoing season.

The final and a more practical option for them would be Renault. Red Bull and Renault together own four World Championship titles. But the woeful season in 2018 meant that the team had to opt for a different supplier (Honda). Hence, the relationship did not end well between the two despite working together for 12 years.

Although the reunion would be awkward, it might be the only chance for the Milton-Keynes based outfit to survive in Formula One.

Renault open to supplying Power Unit to Red Bull

Renault declared that they are ready to supply their engine, but only as an “obligation“.

Cyril Abiteboul, Renault’s team boss, while speaking to Autosport, clarified that the talks are yet to begin. “I can confirm there was absolutely no conversation to this point,” Cyril said. “Being in the sport we are well aware of the regulation, and we have every intent with the regulation and with our obligations.”

With Renault willing to team up with Red Bull, it is all up to the Austrian team to make their decision. They must consider all the options thoroughly, as a wrong move could cost them their star driver, Max Verstappen.