Christian Horner denies that Max Verstappen’s brilliant comeback in São Paulo was due to the new engine. The Dutchman received a five-place grid penalty for replacing the RB20 power unit in Brazil, but that didn’t stop Verstappen from crossing the finish line first. According to Horner, the Dutchman’s comeback was entirely down to Verstappen himself.
Max Verstappen silenced both friends and foes at Interlagos by impressively winning the São Paulo Grand Prix from the seventeenth starting position. The Dutchman qualified twelfth during the delayed session on Sunday morning, but had to start five places back due to a new engine.
According to Christian Horner, the new engine in Verstappen’s RB20 played no role in the ease with which he overtook other drivers. “Of course, everything is a package, but I don’t think there was a significant advantage in terms of horsepower or anything like that,” Horner told the media after the race.
The Red Bull team boss also immediately explains why the new engine did not provide a significant advantage for the Dutchman. “Everything Max overtook was on the brakes, not on a straight line. That’s why we chose to take that engine here, because it’s a circuit where you can overtake,” Horner continued. “We regretted that around lunchtime, but (after the race) we are very grateful that we made that choice.”
Competitive on Dry Track
Red Bull has been struggling since the Grand Prix of China, but according to Horner, the RB20 was competitive again on the dry track in São Paulo. “I think if we could have passed Charles (Leclerc during the spin race) earlier, (Verstappen) could have reached the McLarens. So (on Saturday) there were already signs that he was really competitive. And on a wet track, he performed brilliantly.
