Helmut Marko, Red Bull F1 Motorter Sports Advisor, believes Honda’s F1 power unit turbocharger will help Red Bull Racing at the higher altitudes of the Red Bull Ring.
Honda withdrew from F1 in 2021, but F1 engines manufactured by HRC (Honda Racing) are installed in F1 machines of Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri via Red Bull Powertrains.
Red Bull’s home race, the Austrian Grand Prix, will be the setting for Max Verstappen’s first victory in the Red Bull Honda collaboration in 2019.
In 2020 the Mercedes F1 proved superior in two Red Bull Ring races, but last year Max Verstappen won both the Styrian Grand Prix and the Austrian Grand Prix from pole position.
Helmut Marko, an advisor to Red Bull F1 when asked why Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing are so strong in Austria, said Honda F1’s “special turbo” at Red Bull Racing, located over 600 meters above sea level in Spielberg. He mentioned that the “Charger” works particularly well at high altitudes.
“We must not forget that the engine is a big part of our performance,” Helmut Marko told Serbus TV.
“And Honda has a special turbocharger, which has a small but decisive advantage at an altitude of 670 meters in the last few years.”
“Honda is building an engine that works well at higher altitudes. After all, our first victory with the Honda engine was Austria.”
“It was very important for cooperation and we can rely on this power unit especially until 2025.”
Helmut Marko also said F1 drivers will enjoy the F1 Austrian Grand Prix at Red Bull’s Red Bull Ring.
“We have a very unique track in the middle of the valley,” said Helmut Marko.
“This circuit is at the top of the list for most drivers.”
“Of course, it lacks the taste of a truck like Singapore, but drivers love challenge, hospitality and, of course, schnitzel.”
“Except for (Lewis) Hamilton, who is vegan.”
Category: Category: F1 / Red bull / Honda F1 / F1 Austria GP