Not Ferrari – the Giant Obstacle to Max Verstappen & Red Bull’s 2022 F1 Title Run

Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez are probably one of the best pairings on the grid right now. However, the red bull men have managed to get only three finishes from six starts so far. Which is not an ideal situation for the team and the drivers.

Currently, reliability is the biggest issue for Red Bull. And for better reliability, they need to try on new engines. Something that will cost them in the long run.

Max Verstappen might lose out because of his engines

There is a rule in Formula 1 for engine penalty, as we’re all aware. An engine penalty in F1 is a grid penalty drivers face if they use more than their permitted number of engines. They limit F1 drivers to using 3 engines per season. Now Red Bull’s reliability issues stem from their engines. And the last time around at the Australian Grand Prix, it caught fire.

Talking before the Emilia Romagna GP warmup, Sam Collins, the F1 presenter, said, “Even though Red Bull has said the Honda power unit at the back of Max’s car is fine and they’ll be able to use it again. The back end of the car was on fire, so you’ve got to wonder, yeah it’s not going to be all hunky-dory at the back of that car and there will be some questions about it.” 

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According to him, he feels at least all the Honda-powered cars will take an engine penalty, later in the season, of course, when they’ve used up all their power units.

Down to the wire

He also feels that apart from the rest of the teams, Red Bull might be worst off. Verstappen has already retired his car twice. And it might not be the last time in the season. And with the speed at which Red Bull is running through its power units. There is a penalty coming their way.

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And losing grid places is always a recipe for disaster when you’re trying to run for a championship. And the current world champion would not like to be in this situation. If Ferrari is still on top towards the end and catching them is the only option, a grid penalty will hurt Red Bull dearly.

Let’s hope Red Bull and Honda can fix their issues soon, and not let this power unit problem persist.