Horner explains the difference with Mercedes on straights in Sochi

In the closing stages of the race at the Sochi Autodrom, Max Verstappen was told that he lost no less than six tenths per lap on the straights compared to Bottas. As a result, there was no point in continuing the chase. But what caused this low top speed?

The fact that the Mercedes engine has more power than the Honda is clear this season. However, the difference on the straights cannot be explained on the Sochi Autodrom alone. Christian Horner explained the challenges they faced at Sochi to Motorsport.com.

When Red Bull talks about 'clipping' it means the moment when the batteries switch from delivering power to charging mode. In Sochi that happened too soon and the Honda engine didn't deliver its full power on the whole straight. On other circuits, they will suffer less or none of this.