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Red Bull is contemplating a potential engine change for Max Verstappen ahead of the upcoming Brazilian Grand Prix. Following a challenging race in Mexico, marked by significant time penalties for the Dutch driver, the team faces a crucial strategic decision: to swap the power unit in order to mitigate issues for the remainder of the championship, despite the risk of incurring a grid penalty.
Concerns Regarding Speed Deficiency
The Mexican Grand Prix weekend was anything but smooth sailing for Verstappen. Aside from accumulating a total of 20 seconds in time penalties, the notable issue was the RB20’s lack of top speed. On the straight sections, Verstappen maxed out at 251.4 km/h, significantly trailing teammate Sergio Pérez, who achieved 253.4 km/h. The situation was even more pronounced on the initial straight; here, Verstappen recorded almost the slowest speed of the field at 299.6 km/h. In stark contrast, Lando Norris displayed an impressive top speed of 307.9 km/h.
Helmut Marko expressed his concerns about the car’s insufficient pace, stating, “We struggle to get the tires working and find ourselves lagging behind the leading teams.” He also pointed out that engine troubles encountered by Verstappen as early as Friday hampered their preparations. Marko insists on the necessity of consistent performance, emphasizing, “We usually expect to gain strength at the end of our stints, but here the performance completely fell off.”
Interlagos: A Prime Opportunity for an Engine Swap?
Considering the disappointing performance in Mexico, Red Bull is weighing the option of introducing a new Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) in Brazil. The Interlagos circuit is seen by the team as an ideal venue for such a change due to its historically favorable overtaking opportunities. A grid penalty of five places is deemed manageable, allowing Verstappen to still maintain a competitive edge.
With just four Grand Prix weekends remaining, including two sprint races, Verstappen holds a robust 47-point lead over Norris. Opting for an engine replacement would equip Verstappen with a dependable power unit as the season approaches critical races in Qatar, Las Vegas, and Abu Dhabi. Red Bull appears willing to take this calculated risk in Brazil, aiming to navigate the final stretch of the season free from technical glitches.
Verstappen Aims for Consistency in Final Races
The next few races are pivotal, not just for Verstappen’s championship campaign but also for Red Bull’s overall strategy. With each race carrying enormous weight, the decision to change engines could provide the stability needed for a strong finish. The team is keen to ensure that Verstappen can perform at his best and avoid any additional complications that could arise from mechanical failures.
As the 2023 season draws to a close, all eyes will be on Verstappen and Red Bull as they navigate through high-stakes races. Protecting the lead while ensuring optimal performance is the key challenge ahead, making the Brazilian Grand Prix not just another race, but a strategic battleground that could define the outcome of the season.
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