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Wolff: Very powerful Honda engine could propel Red Bull up the grid

Wolff: "Very powerful" Honda engine could propel Red Bull up the grid

14-01-2019 09:49
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Nicolás Quarles van Ufford

Toto Wolff, Mercedes' team principal thinks Red Bull Racing could make be significantly stronger with their new engine partner Honda, as the Austrian argues no teams dominate certain circuits like in the past.

Last year, Red Bull surprisingly made the switch from their long-time engine partners Renault to Honda. The decision is widely regarded as high-risk high-reward, as Honda has surpassed Renault in terms of raw power but historically struggles with reliability. However, Red Bull will be the only client of Honda, effectively making them a works team in terms of engine development.

Wolff is keeping tabs on the situation, as he thinks Red Bull could be making moves with their new partner.

"Yeah it could well be because we have seen there is no more pattern any more," Wolff was quoted by RaceFans.

"There is not one team that dominates one kind of circuit. It has changed and Honda’s engine certainly looks very powerful now."

That is debatable, as Red Bull have met expectations of dominating on high-downforce tracks like Monaco and Mexico, as well as Ferrari being the quickest (in qualifying, at least) on the high-speed circuit of Monza. However, Mercedes did cause a big upset by grabbing pole position and winning in Singapore, a circuit where they normally struggle.