Honda, Oh Honda! Red Bulls New Engine Plan!

How does Honda's move out of F1 effect Red Bull and possibly other engine suppliers?

This is the real question that I and everyone else is asking this week. After a major news bomb dropped at the beginning of the week. I don't many people where ready for this one. I felt that because the relationship between Red Bull and Honda was far better than that of when they where with Mclaren. And the success they have had over the last couple of years. With there podiums, wins and overall pace with development. But, in the background they had always been wishy washy as to if they would be sticking it out for the long haul. The managing director for Honda, stated that it was sometimes difficult to persuade the Honda board to continue in Formula One, and the battle was finally lost.

Now, does this leave Red Bull in a tough spot...Yes. However, I think this is truly a great opportunity as well. If it is planned right. An I believe Red Bull do have a plan in mind as I am sure they where aware of Honda leaving well before any of us. Here are a few possibilities of what could happen?

1. Back to Renault?

I don't think this will be the first option for Red Bull nor the second. They will be there last resort (Papa Roach song is now in your head). The relationship was toxic and ended badly at the end of 2018. Now, Renault next year does not have a choice if Red Bull do not have an engine. Has to do with some rule within F1, one that I do not know off hand. Will anyone want this overall, probably not. As it will probably see Red Bull really set back.

2. Mercedes POWER!!! (Insert Jeremy Clarkson Voice)

This will definitely not happen, I can for sure state that. Mercedes will not give there only title competitor an engine as good as theirs. Enough said on that!

3. Red Bull Gives you Wings

Honda have said they will be more than willing to help Red Bull, could this mean them giving there rights to there engine. And Red Bull becoming a manufactured team? This is more of a long term goal and would set them back maybe a year or two. But, could be the best option for them. Allowing them to implement there own design and be able to integrate it into the actual car design as well. Which would allow for a greater scope of design as well as a more cohesive team effort on and off track.

4. The Curve Ball! Going Red and I Mean Deep Red!

Ferrari have recently offered the openness to allowing Red Bull to contract an

engine from them. Could this be a true ace up the sleeve move... I don't know. I feel this year Ferrari didn't have an option with there engine. Of course that has to do with the engine issue they had with the FIA and since we don't know the whole story. I feel this is the true outlier with anything that could happen. Ferrari as a team/brand will always have a top tier car. Give them a year or two to sort out the issue there having and I believe they will be back on the top again. So, if Red Bull are willing to wait strong engine from Ferrari. Will be a true gamble, with a big payout. Could you imagine Red Bull 2019, with the Ferrari 2019 engine(minus illegal modifications they made). Woo that would have been a car to be reckoned with for sure.

All and all I think this lays out a very intriguing story to follow through out this year and in to next year.