Horner provides update on possible grid penalty for Verstappen in 2021

While Max Verstappen took a fourth power unit last time out at the Russian Grand Prix, there's still a full seven races to go between now and the end of the season.

With Mercedes taking on a fresh Internal Combustion Engine with Lewis Hamilton this weekend, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has shed some light on whether Verstappen might need any further engine components at some point before the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

"Not under normal circumstances, no," Horner told RacingNews365.com in an exclusive chat over the Turkish Grand Prix weekend.

"But there is not much that has been normal about this season."

Horner reiterated that he believes Mercedes were forced into taking a fresh engine with Hamilton this weekend, rather than it being a purely tactical decision, but still reckons that Istanbul Park is a venue that may reward Mercedes more than Red Bull.

"This traditionally really leans more towards Mercedes at the moment, but let's see," he said.

"They took the penalty here, but I think it was more of a necessity rather than a choice.

"It's miserable out there, so that creates opportunities and jeopardy, so let's see."

Horner also expects Sergio Perez to be able to interfere more often in the front-running battle over the remaining races, to help Red Bull beat Mercedes to the Constructors' Championship.

"I think it will come right for him," he said.

"He's had a tough few races but we are already seeing signs that things are turning better."