Share

'Renault unit felt like a Formula 2 engine' - Verstappen

Max Verstappen says he feels as though he has been relegated to Formula 2.

In the Honda era, Fernando Alonso at one point called his Honda power unit a "GP2 engine".

'You're going to struggle'

But Verstappen says he knows how the Spaniard felt.

READ: Verstappen says no Toro Rosso demotion

"If you're missing 70-80hp you know you're going to struggle. On the straight it looked like we were in a different series," Verstappen added at Silverstone. Asked if it felt like Formula 2, he answered: "Yes."

The Dutchman is Renault-powered at present, but Red Bull will switch to works Honda power for 2019.

'It's time for a change'

His boss Christian Horner says the time has clearly come for that move.

"It's just time for a change," he said.

Horner said Renault's power problems were obvious at Silverstone, and so he has no qualms about switching to Honda.

"You could see very well what level everyone is at and I think Honda and Renault are in a similar situation at the moment.

However, it is all about potential and development and we really believe in what is in the pipeline at Honda to close the gap," said the Briton.

With Renault it's the same story year after year but at Honda we see good progress, so it seems like the right choice," he added.

As for the astonishing claim about an up to 80hp deficit, Verstappen explained: "I don't know exactly the amount but if you lose more than a second on the straight then you know it's a lot."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()