No downside to Honda engine choice for Red Bull - Coulthard

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David Coulthard sees no drawback for Red Bull Racing in its decision to switch from Renault to Honda power for next season.

The Milton Keynes-based team's choice has been debated at length by the F1 community and its fans, many of which view Red Bull's move as a risky proposition given the Japanese manufacturer's difficulties in harnessing F1's hybrid technology since its return to Grand Prix racing in 2015.

However, Coulthard, who raced for four years with Red Bull believes the risk-reward is positive for his former team.

"I think given where they are in terms of the relationship with Renault, the uncertainty over what happens beyond 2020, I don’t see any downside for them," the Scot told Crash.net.

"Renault have a great history in Formula 1 but whilst they try to build up their team to be a Renault-Renault world championship, are they really going to be happy to be winning in the back of a Red Bull?

"Nobody knows what the future holds but if you use all the same ingredients all the time you get the same cake. If you want a different outcome you’ve got to change something in the process."

Verstappen unphased by high rate of Honda engine changes

Coulthard also underlines Red Bull's current insight into Honda's inner working thanks to its partnership with sister outfit Toro Rosso. Coupled with the engine's undeniable progress, both in terms of performance and reliability, Red Bull's switch could turn out to be a timely one according to the Channel 4 commentator.

"I think it’s less of a risk now that they have the information from Toro Rosso because when you are looking at sound analysis of your competitors, there’s unknowns that give you that data," said Coulthard.

"With Toro Rosso they will know the top data, so they will know what power is travelling out to the wheels of the car and they’ll know what they’ve got from the Renault.

“No-one will know how the Renault will develop, no-one will know how the Honda will develop but you look at the development plans, you look at the budgets that have been spend and you assume that if continue along the profile that they have in the past, it will get you to a certain point."

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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.