Red Bull switch from Renault to Honda engines for 2019 season

Red Bull will be powered by Honda next year after bringing the curtain down on their relationship with engine suppliers Renault. Renault helped fire Red Bull to four drivers' championships and four constructors' titles during a partnership which lasted more than a decade. But the Milton Keynes team will join up with Japanese manufacturer Honda from 2019 after their relationship with Renault turned sour in recent years. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said: 'This multi-year agreement with Honda signals the start of an exciting new phase in Red Bull Racing's efforts to compete not just for grand prix wins but for what is always our goal - championship titles. 'We have always taken decisions such as this dispassionately and with only one criteria in mind - do we believe the outcome will allow us to compete at a higher level. 'After careful consideration and evaluation we are certain this partnership with Honda is the right direction for the team.' Horner added: 'We have sometimes had our differences but Renault has always worked tirelessly and to the best of its ability to provide us with a competitive power unit. 'That is still the case today and we would like to thank the Renault team, and particularly the guys in our garage at every race, for their unstinting commitment and we look forward to ending our partnership on a high come the end of this season. 'Our focus for the rest of this year is still very much on delivering the best results possible in the 2018 championship.' Honda president Takahiro Hachigo said: 'Having two teams means we can access twice as much data as previously. 'We believe that working with both Toro Rosso and Red Bull Racing will allow us to get closer to our goal of winning races and championships, building two strong partnerships. 'Discussions proceeded very quickly, thanks to Red Bull's open and respectful attitude towards Honda, leading to a deal that is fair and equitable for all parties.' Daniel Ricciardo, a two-time winner for Red Bull this season, is out of contract at the end of the year while Max Verstappen is tied down to the team until 2021.