Horner explains why Honda didn't commit to F1 beyond 2021

Earlier this week Honda and Red Bull confirmed that they would extend their partnership into 2021. Christian Horner has now revealed why Honda did not want to commit to Formula 1 beyond that.

Helmut Marko confirmed in an interview with Servus TV that they would be continuing to work together into the 2021 season, the first with the new regulations. Red Bull and Honda have had a positive first season, achieving three race wins, courtesy of Max Verstappen in Austria, Germany and Brazil. 

Their original deal was set to run until just 2020 but the new agreement will be until 2021, but why no longer? Christian Horner told Sky Sports, Honda want to see how the new regulations play out, especially in the financial department.

“It’s great news that they’ve committed beyond 2020, so we’ve got a minimum of two years that we’re absolutely fixed on,” he told Sky Sports.

“They’re just waiting to see what are the regulations that are going to come in either for 2021 or primarily ’22 with regards to homologation or engine freezes to get the costs down.

“These engines are enormously expensive, and the technology involved. I think all the manufacturers together want to see some cost reduction in that area.

“We’re talking about the future. The discussion wasn’t just about ’21. There’s a real appetite there to build on what we’ve achieved so far in this relationship. It’s a great partnership between Red Bull and Honda as we’ve seen this year."