F1 | Red Bull, Horner: “Verstappen could have closed 2021 with just three engines”

One of the fundamental points that allowed Red Bull to get the better of Mercedes as far as the Drivers' Championship is concerned, with Max Verstappen becoming world champion at the end of the Abu Dhabi GP, was without a shadow of a doubt that relating to reliability of the Honda power unit. The Japanese company thus closed its experience as an official engine supplier in Formula 1 with the title won by the Dutchman.

A path full of obstacles and difficulties, especially during the partnership with McLaren, where however the Japanese work culture made the difference as underlined by Red Bull TP Chris Horner. The British manager has in fact admitted that without the accident at Silverstone, Verstappen would have had no problem finishing the season with three engines without having to incur penalties on the starting grid as happened instead.

"Passion, commitment, work ethic. When Honda returned to the sport, they had a difficult time – declared Horner, quoted by RacingNews365 – They kept their heads down, worked hard and from day one the relationship with them was phenomenal. You can see it through their culture, the work ethic they have. This year's engine it was brought forward by 12 months. If it hadn't been for the Silverstone accident, Max would have done the entire season with three engines".