Honda Red Bull personnel transfer discussions ongoing

Honda Formula 1 technical director Toyoharu Tanabe confirmed the transfer of personnel to the new Red Bull Powertrains set up is "under discussion".

Honda will leave Formula 1 at the end of the current season with Red Bull striking a deal to take on the Japanese manufacturer's technology rather than partner with another power unit supplier.

Tanabe conceded: “Actually I’m not involved very much about that project.

"The basic direction has been agreed between Honda and Red Bull and now they are working on the detailed procedure for how to handle that project in the future.”

As for the transfer of personnel from Honda to Red Bull, Tanabe insisted no arrangement has been made.

He added: “At the moment the same thing. It is also under discussion.”

Red Bull showed strong pace across the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend with Max Verstappen topping all three practice sessions, qualifying on pole and finishing second to Lewis Hamilton in the race.

The strong start to the season backed up pre-season theories Red Bull could be in its strongest position to challenge Mercedes for both the drivers' and constructors' since 2013.

Results, however, have nothing to do with Honda's decision to leave the sport said Tanabe.

He commented: “The Honda decision to leave Formula 1 is not related to the other results so regardless of our results from this year, we are going to leave.”

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