Christian Horner breaks silence on further engine penalties for Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen faces the threat of additional grid penalties later down the season.

Christian Horner breaks silence on further engine penalties for Max Verstappen

Christian Horner and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

Max Verstappen broke the limits of the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) which is four by using a fifth one for the Belgian GP. The Dutchman was penalized for this move, setting him ten-place behind at the grid. F1 still remains with 10 races to finish the season after the summer break. Christian Horner was asked if Verstappen has enough engines for the rest of the season.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner stated that Max Verstappen likely won’t need to take another grid penalty this season for using too many engines. His future performances depends on the condition of the current engines they have. Currently, Red Bull believe they have enough time for engine to get caught with some issue. But he stated, it ultimately depends on how the engines hold up over the remaining races.

It depends what happens to the pool, so we think we're okay at the moment.
Christian Horner said, as reported by GPblog.com
YouTube video

Currently, Verstappen has Turbochargers, MGU-Hs, MGU-Ks, and the control electronics to his car. He has no extra allowance to change these parts without getting a penalty. If Red Bull wishes to change any of these components they would again face a grid penalty for the Dutchman. Therefore, he has to manage with the parts he currently has for the rest of the season to avoid penalties.

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Christian Horner predicts close contests between top 4 teams till 2026

Christian Horner stated that car’s under the current regulations have almost reached their maximum development. The teams have nearly optimized their car designs and performances within the current rules. Horner predicted that the next 18 months feature intense and close competition between top four teams. With stable rules, all the teams will have similar conditions to work and no team will have a big advantage over others.

We are expecting 18 months of close battles between four teams, it could only be that way as the regulations are remaining stable.

Christian Horner said, as reported by Formulapassion.it
Red Bull team boss Christian Horner
Christian Horner (Via: Imago)

Christian Horner questioned whether it was necessary to overhaul in 2026. Upon which he stated, the teams had to always evolve. If the officials have decided to change the rules it’s for crucial reasons. Horner emphasized that the sport needs to keep improving and sometimes making big changes to the rules. These changes can help make racing more exciting and safe for everyone. The officials might also introduce new technology that can benefit the teams and the sport overall.

Was it necessary to overhaul everything in 2026? You always have to evolve, if they decided to change the rules it was for relevant reasons.
Christian Horner stated.

Certainly, Christian Horner emphasized changes in the regulations are important for the sport and for the viewers as well. He highlighted with stable rules conditions every team will be at the same level making the races even more exciting to watch.

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