Marko: “No Honda-clause in Verstappen contract”
F1 News
- GPblog.com
The Red Bull Racing team faces a challenge in 2021. They have to find a new engine supplier or take over the baton from Honda in that area. There has been talk of a clause in Max Verstappen's contract, in case the team doesn't have a competitive power source.
However, it is not yet clear whether this clause would apply to Honda's departure from Formula 1 . Helmut Marko explains to Sport1 that this is not the case.
Exit clause in Verstappen's contract
"The situation is such that we want and need a competitive engine. It may be clear that Max Verstappen wants the same. But there is no concrete exit clause if we don't have a Honda power source."
So in principle the contract of Verstappen at Red Bull will remain valid after 2021 - but on the condition that the team finds a competitive engine. Marko indicates that the latter also applies to the team. "If we compete, it will be with an engine that will allow us to win."
Marko explains exactly what a competitive engine means: "The horsepower of Mercedes, Ferrari and Honda varies between 15 and a maximum of 20 horsepower."
So roughly that's what Red Bull Racing has to aim for to stay competitive and keep Verstappen with the team.