Red Bull Opens Honda Conversations
Honda and Red Bull have had an initial conversation about working together in the 2019 Formula One season.
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Red Bull has started negotiations with Honda before a possible change to the Japanese engine supplier for 2019.
After frustrations in 2017 with Renault, Red Bull had been closely related to a change in the manufacturer, but chose to first monitor Honda's progress with the Toro Rosso sister team.
The performances of Pierre Gasly and Brendon Hartley in the first four races have clearly impressed the Red Bull hierarchy, Toro Rosso advancing to 13 points after Hartley's 10th place in Azerbaijan.
With reports that emerged last year, Red Bull and Renault would be split by the end of 2018, the four-time world champions began talks with Honda before the May 15 deadline to declare their plans for next season .
"Because it was the first meeting, we discussed the conditions on both sides, what do we expect from each other?" Honda Motorsport boss Masahi Yamamoto told the official F1 website about the talks with the adviser of Red Bull Helmut Marko.
"It was the first discussion.
" Yes, it was positive. We think we were both satisfied. There is a good relationship between us. However, it is the first time we have an official meeting. It is the starting point for a potential future.
"We have an obligation to present the documents to the FIA on May 15. It's something that we're starting to discuss now and it has to be fluid between Honda and Red Bull.
" I want to use the time we have. Talk to Honda board members before taking the comments to Red Bull to take the next steps.
"When we decided to return to F1, the plan was not simply to stay with a team, but to work with multiple teams.
" The board members are aware of the discussions and there is great respect for the relationship [with the Red Bull organisation] ".