Verstappen to hand F1 media printouts to dispel Honda power myths

Max Verstappen suggested he will "print out the rear-wing difference" between Red Bull and Mercedes to quell myths of a power gain after his team continued its impressive straight-line speed in qualifying for the Styrian Grand Prix

F1 rival Lewis Hamilton had questioned in his awe at losing out to Verstappen at last weekend's French Grand Prix whether the time lost in a straight line was down to aerodynamics or engine power.

After taking pole position by over two-tenths of a second from Hamilton - after second-placed Valtteri Bottas was demoted with a grid penalty - Verstappen was asked whether Honda's strong form at altitude had been carried into the season.

"We’ve always been quite good with altitude," the Dutchman replied. "But I think next time I’m going to bring a print-out of the rear wing difference we’re running and then I’m going to hand it over to every single journalist.

"I get these questions now, two questions, like two or three weeks now, that we are really quick on the straight, and yes we are, but look at our rear wing, I don’t think it’s exactly the same.

"For sure, Honda did a great job compared to last year, from our first engine to the engine we have in the car now.

"It’s all about reliability, improvements and no clear advantage on pure power so I’m going to fire up my printer next time and I’m going to hand over a few shots."

Verstappen expecting another "exciting" battle with Hamilton

With Verstappen and Hamilton on the front row again, the Dutch driver is expecting another tough tussle with the seven-time F1 champion.

With a 12-point gap between the duo following two wins in the last three races for Verstappen, the momentum is with him

Asked whether another close race was in prospect, Verstappen said: "I guess so, yeah.

"It seems like in the long runs again we are quite closely matched. Of course, that was in practice, the race is a bit of a different day.

"We’ll see but I expect it, of course, to again be close. Hopefully, it will be an exciting one again."

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