Is Redbull the architect of its engine problems?

[Nitrodaze]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/121468

According to latest rumour Red Bull could become Honda's B team, because there may not be any other option. I know I am sort of sympathetic about Red Bull, but I can't help but laugh. It would also throw all performance predictions we have had so far out of the window, and push RBR further down the field.

However, McLaren should (rightfully) fear if this were to happen. Unlike with Mercedes or Ferrari, Honda is not forever tied with their main team to deny RBR. And if Red Bull can prove they can make a better chassis than McLaren, it would be a justified decision for them to switch allegiances.

The Honda combustion engine is already a few BHP up on the Renault but with the poor hybrid part of the Honda engine they also a few BHP down on the Renault. Honda's 2016 engine is very likely going to make big strides in the Hybrid department, if coupled with some additional inprovement in horse power in the combustion engine as well, then Honda is an interesting proposition for Redbull.

Should Mclaren be worried, l don't think they should for a short term arrangement. Redbull taking the Honda engine is good for both Honda and Mclaren as Honda may get a concession that would allow them more latitude to make far reaching changes to the engine. The real question though is, is Honda setup for manufacturing engines for two customers? Taking on Redbull at this late stage may destabilize their preparation for 2016 and put their Mclaren project at risk.
Then there is the question of investment commitment from RBR and Honda for the additional commitment. If the arrangement puts additional funding pressure on Honda, chances are this is not going to happen, unless of course Mclaren-Honda off load Alonso for a cheaper driver like Magnussen. And that is not going to be cheap.

Looking at how RBR handled their relationship with Renault, you have to ask; is a RBR-Honda relationship going to work, taking into account the Japanese cultural sensitivity to pride and honor. RBR would need to have someone at the helm with experience of japanese working relationship. I have a strong feeling the current personels are going to make a hash of it in a very short time.

While Honda taking on RBR is purely for strategic reasons, l am sure they would not hesitate to dump RBR mid season if RBR behave in anyway insulting or injurious to the Honda brand. There isn't that bonding developed from past relationship as Mclaren has with Honda. Even so, the Mclaren-Honda relationship was stretched to testing points on occasion. I am sure most would remember the Alonso rant about GP2 engine at Suzuka. While that was driver misbehavior, l am sure at team level, such public outburst would have deteriorated into a swift separation.

While it would be great for Honda, Mclaren and Redbull for such a deal to take place, it could be risky for Mclaren if RBR has difficulty working to Honda's particular work ethics and culture, That may put Mclaren's programme at risk due to the distraction of Honda and stress generated. Hence some may say it is risky for Mclaren, but they may also benefit from it in the long run.

Since it is unlikely the Honda engine is suddenly going to win the f1 championship in 2016, Mclaren has nothing to lose sharing Honda with RBR for at most one season.

The idea of Honda dumping Mclaren for Redbull is interesting. Would a RBR-Honda combination be more likely to win a CWC in a shorter period than with Mclaren. It comes down to chassis excelence and supremacy. With Adrian Newey not being full time in charge of RBR aerodynamic, it is not so clear cut that RBR would develop better chassis than Mclaren. This is evident at the early part of the season when the Toro Rosso had a better chassis and performed better than the senior team. Hence it may be foolhardy for Honda to jump ship to a Neweyless RBR.