Red Bull waiting on F1 calendar before making penalty decision

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Red Bull waiting on F1 calendar before making penalty decision

Red Bull will exceed the allotted number of engines for the season

Ewan Gale

Saturday 28 August 2021 10:30

Christian Horner says Red Bull will wait for confirmation of the remainder of the F1 calendar this year before deciding where to take engine penalties.

Honda revealed ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix weekend that both Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez's second power units of the season were damaged beyond repair, with both switching to their final allocated units for the year.

It means the team will have to take an engine penalty at some point in the season, with Horner confirming on Sky Sports F1 such a decision would be strategic.

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"I think we were glad to get to the summer break because we had five consecutive races which were fantastic," said Horner.

"Then we had Silverstone and Hungary that were very frustrating for us so to take a break was very useful and well-timed.

"Of course, we will have to take penalties later in the year and it is a question of strategically, when do we take those.

"I think we will wait to see exactly what the calendar evolution is looking like as well but you have got to pick your moments strategically to do that.

"Do you do it early or do it a bit later and pick a time that maybe you have a bad session and then that is the time to effect a change?"

Red Bull must be "flexible"

Red Bull had the option of introducing two new power units this weekend to take the penalty at a circuit that teams know offers overtaking opportunities.

With rain forecast throughout the weekend, Horner explained: "It is a good track in that it is an open circuit and you can overtake here.

"At the same time, if you have qualified well, do you want to be in the mist and spray and we saw the dangers of a damp race at the last weekend?

"It is something we are constantly evaluating and constantly looking at. As long as you are flexible with it, the right opportunity will present itself."