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Red Bull expecting to use at least five engines in 2019

Red Bull expecting to use at least five engines in 2019

09-01-2019 19:30
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Bobby Vincent

Despite the season not starting just yet; Red Bull Racing are expecting to face a lot of penalties during the 2019 season, with the team working with Honda for the first time.

Red Bull ended their relationship with Renault, with the energy drink brand announcing it last season, to move to Honda as their engine supplier.

Helmut Marko, Red Bull's motorsport consultant believes that penalties inflicted on the drivers for engine changes outside of the quota cannot be avoided.

"We are aware that this will probably be limited with reliability," Marko said, acknowledged by F1.only.

"It is very likely that we will not be able to do the whole season with three engines (the quota). We expect to use five to compete in all the races in the championship. But if we choose the right circuit to take the penalties, we can limit the damage. It's the performance that will prevail."

After impressing with Red Bull's junior team, Toro Rosso, last season, Honda were promoted to take on the grid with Red Bull.

Red Bull's line-up has been altered as well for 2019; with Max Verstappen being joined by Pierre Gasly, who impressed at Toro Rosso - with Daniel Ricciardo leaving the side for Renault.