The 2021 Formula 1 season has unquestionably been one of the most thrilling ones in recent memory. With five races to go, rivals Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen as well as their teams are in touching distance from each other. And every move is important at this point, especially when it comes with a penalty.
Yes, the subject is engines and power units.
In a press conference ahead of the race in Mexico, Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton put an end to the claims regarding his power unit.
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“I believe our engines are strong and as far as I’m aware we’re hopefully going to the end,” Hamilton said.
For some context, there was a lot of speculation regarding Mercedes taking yet another power unit for Lewis in Brazil or even in Mexico.
This would’ve resulted in the British driver receiving a penalty, which could’ve played directly into Verstappen and Red Bull’s favour.
Hamilton’s comments should come as a relief to many Mercedes fans, especially after Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko made an assessment of the German team’s engines.
Helmut Marko’s claims buried by Lewis Hamilton
In building up to the race in Mexico, Helmut Marko had made some big claims regarding the reliability of the Mercedes engine compared to the Honda engine in Red Bull.
“So far, we have been absolutely reliable with the Honda engine. You are never immune from a defect. But the engine situation is certainly more reassuring on the Honda side than on the Mercedes side,” said Marko as reported in Auto Motor Sport. (Translated via Google Translate)
Marko also claimed that Hamilton may have to switch again according to their information while emphasizing on the reliability of their Honda engines.
Read More: Marko Lands Another Blow to Lewis Hamilton’s F1 Title Hopes as He Gives Mercedes Update
Turns out, Helmut Marko was wrong, and the race in Mexico will be decided by strategies and racing action, like always. Perhaps Marko’s comments were just a mind game to destabilize Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton.
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But even if there was some truth to them, it’ll be interesting to see how this develops because Mercedes have shown some reliability issues this season.
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And now, when the pressure is rising, will the Silver Arrows be able to handle it?
Also Read: Lewis Hamilton Contradicts Toto Wolff’s Insinuation Regarding Max Verstappen