Pierre Gasly hopes Honda bows out from F1 with Red Bull title win

Pierre Gasly hopes Honda ends its most recent stint in Formula 1 with a world championship victory as it exits the sport at the end of next season.

In a surprise announcement last week, Honda announced it would be exiting F1 at the end of 2021 after seven seasons.

The Japanese manufacturer returned as an engine supplier in 2015, powering McLaren for three seasons before teaming up with Toro Rosso in 2018 and then Red Bull in 2019.

While it endured a tricky first three years, Honda has been on the way up in terms of power and reliability ever since.

Gasly raced for Honda in Super Formula in 2017 and claimed his maiden win at the Italian Grand Prix last month while running the Japanese manufacturer’s power unit for AlphaTauri.

Reflecting on its decision to leave the sport at the end of 2021, Gasly is hopeful it can leave as world champions with Red Bull.

“Yeah, I must say personally I was quite sad when I got to know the news,” Gasly said. “I had a pretty long relationship with them, starting 2017 in Super Formula, I’ve really enjoyed and still enjoying working with these guys. 

“They’re really dedicated, committed, they have a target in mind, they work so hard until they achieve it. It’s honestly sad news, but we still have some more races together and we need to make sure that we make the best out of it and I’m sure we can have some great results until the end of next year together but obviously, it’s quite sad to see them leaving F1 after so much hard work, the evolution, the development.

“I think has been very impressive over the last few years, they managed to win races last year and this year with Red Bull and AlphaTauri, I could see a very bright future for them so hopefully, they can get a shot at the title next year before they leave.”

Both Daniil Kvyat and Gasly are unconcerned about having no engine supplier confirmed for 2022, with a return to Renault power a potential option for AlphaTauri and Red Bull.

“No, I don’t think there is time to worry now, Kvyat said. “I think it’s still Honda is going to be next year with both teams and there is this time to consider things and wait different options, I’m not worried to be honest. 

“It’s important we still squeeze the maximum out of the current relationship with Honda because competitive as they are I’m sure they’re still going to keep bringing updates to the engine this year, next year, and of course other things that matter right now, it’s up to the top management to decide what’s best for the team’s strategies.”

Gasly added: “I agree with Dany. We still have some time, Red Bull and AT still have some time to decide what is the best option after 2021. At the moment I think the main focus should be on what’s happening right now with them, preparing next year the best way possible to make sure they have a very successful last season before they leave, and also for us. 

“I’m sure both teams will weight the best options going forward with the new regulations as well but yeah I guess there is no rush at the moment and no need to worry right now about the future.”