“Think That’s What’s Going to Happen”: Christian Horner Expects Lewis Hamilton to Change Engine

“Think That’s What’s Going to Happen”: Christian Horner Expects Lewis Hamilton to Change Engine

Lewis Hamilton and Christian Horner

Right choices at the right time, along with the rain at the last part saw Max Verstappen finish the Russian Grand Prix in P2, behind Lewis Hamilton. However, the latter was highly dominating and made the best use of the track by heading into the pit lane at the right time to challenge Lando Norris, Christian Horner feels he is bound to take a grid penalty entering the business end. 

Many might acknowledge that not all events in the race could be predicted. But Verstappen’s P2 finish was something that was surely applaud worthy as well. After battling hard in the middle sector, the Dutchman made best use of the rain poring towards the end to keep his team alive in the Constructor’s standings as well. 

Christian Horner on Lewis Hamilton 

Lewis Hamilton and Christian Horner

The Red Bull Racing driver’s race took its toll, however. “The plan was to go on longer,” Helmut Marko told Auto Motor und Sport. “But the overtaking race put too much strain on the tyres. Even his medium tyres, before it started raining, were quite worn out.” 

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“Max only had a few laps with a free lane,” Christian Horner adds. “In those he was pretty fast. Behind other cars you just ruin your tyres. Especially in turn three.” 

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen

Verstappen and Red Bull were obviously very happy with the unexpected podium finish. “That was much more than we could have hoped for beforehand,” said Horner. “We got the engine penalty out of the way and with Max we are only two points behind Lewis [Hamilton]. That’s encouraging for the rest of the season.” Also encouraging is that Hamilton is likely to have to use a fourth engine and so will have to start from the back. “With all the changes to the engine that their customer teams have made, you would think that would happen”.

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