Horner confirms plan not to change Verstappen engine again

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11 October 2021 at 12:12
Last update 11 October 2021 at 14:29
  • GPblog.com

Max Verstappen started from the back of the grid in Russia due to an engine change. The Dutchman had all components replaced and now has some space in his engine pool. Red Bull Racing does not expect Verstappen to incur a further grid penalty this season.

Without crashes or other unforeseen circumstances it should be possible to complete the remaining six Grands Prix without changing any more parts. In the pool of four engines there are still three that can be used by Verstappen.

Verstappen can choose from several engines

"We are not tied to just one engine. So, in theory, we should hopefully be able to get through to the end of the year," Horner is quoted as saying by Motorsport-Total.com. However, the Red Bull Racing chief stresses that a lot can still happen in the final weeks of 2021. "Never say never..."

Whereas Verstappen had all his engine parts replaced in Sochi, Lewis Hamilton chose to change only the ICE (internal combustion engine) last weekend. Apparently Mercedes has enough confidence in the other components like the turbo charger, the MGU-K and MGU-H. Whether that confidence is justified, we will see in the coming weekends.