Red Bull to conduct Renault/Honda engine comparison in Canada

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How the Renault and Honda engines compare to each other in Montreal next week could determine Red Bull Racing's 2019 power unit choice.

Renault's Cyril Abiteboul has been asking the Milton Keynes-based outfit for clarity sooner rather than later on its future engine plans, but team boss Christian Horner insists Red Bull will continue to weigh its options until the end of June or early July.

"It will be a month or so. End of June, beginning of July. It's the time-frame we've always talked about," said Horner.

"We want to compare the two engines in Canada," added Horner, amid reports both Renault and Honda are planning upgraded units for the seventh round of the world championship.

"We'll get small updates in Montreal but we need to get the most out of them. It's very important to us."

Renault calls out Red Bull's lack of loyalty and commitment

Renault's power unit has reduced its deficit to its Mercedes and Ferrari rivals, but the French manufacturer has still not offered its customers the compelling qualifying modes enjoyed by its main competitors and necessary to fight for pole.

Horner believes that's the only thing keeping Red Bull from consistently challenging for race wins.

"If I'm not mistaken, in the last six races the five fastest laps were ours," he said.

"If we get more power in the last qualifying session, there will be nothing stopping us from making the lives of Mercedes and Ferrari very difficult."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.