Max Verstappen to hand F1 media printouts to dispel Honda power myths

Verstappen, Red Bull, Styria — Photo: © LAT Images

Styrian Grand Prix

Verstappen to hand F1 media printouts to dispel Honda power myths

Verstappen is bored of answering power unit questions

Ian Parkes & Ewan Gale

Sunday 27 June 2021 09:15

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.

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"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."