Red Bull sees ambitious Honda: "Have implemented every announcement"

Helmut Marko is looking forward to the 2021 season with confidence. The Red Bull Racing advisor thinks that RB16-B together with a better Honda engine can put pressure on Mercedes. In particular, the reliability problems at the German competitor could potentially be an advantage for Red Bull.

In previous years, Red Bull's cars managed to shine on only a few tracks, but the goal for 2021 is to be competitive on every track with an all-round package. "We believe we can largely compensate for the loss of downforce because of the new rules. But every team believes that at this time of year," reports Marko.

Difference Honda and Mercedes was three tenths

At Auto, Motor und Sport, the Austrian says that Red Bull is 'certainly in a better position'. "But we have to wait and see what comes from Mercedes. Honda is sending positive signals. So far they have implemented every announcement. On average, we were three tenths off the engine. We hope to get closer."

In the final phase of last year, there were some reliability problems with Mercedes and its customer teams. Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez may be able to benefit from this next season. "We hope they have to work more on that than finding performance. Maybe we'll see another alignment", concludes Marko.