Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has explained that Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez are due to take grid penalties for engine changes in the near future. Marko's comments follow on from recent engine-related penalties for Ferrari pair Charles Leclerc (in Canada) and Carlos Sainz (in France). With Verstappen and Perez having used two of the three permitted engines so far this season, Marko admitted their own changes – and penalties – are on the way.
Red Bull to join Ferrari in taking penalties
"That will come for us as well and we just have to choose a track where you can overtake relatively well," Marko told Motorsport-Total , when asked about Ferrari's penalties. Marko stopped short of confirming where Red Bull will make their changes, but Spa-Francorchamps or Monza would be logical choices. "If you look at the next races, you will certainly come to a track that we have chosen," he added. One option for Red Bull would be to install a third engine for both drivers at Spa and then a fourth at Monza, the latter move triggering a grid penalty. After that race, the Red Bull pair should have enough engines in their pool to see out the season.
More updates to come from Red Bull
Engine changes aside, Red Bull are pressing ahead with developments for the remaining races – as recently reported by RacingNews365.com . "We are constantly developing; that is the DNA of Red Bull Racing," continued Marko. "They won't be as serious, but there will be updates well into the second half of the season. We have to wait and see what they look like." As for what will be needed to win this year's titles, Marko added: "It's not enough yet. You have to be fast and reliable. "I think you have to win 10 to 12 races in total to have a realistic chance in the championship." Verstappen holds a 63-point lead over Leclerc after the French Grand Prix, while Red Bull sit 82 points clear of Ferrari.
Most read