At the recently concluded Turkish Grand Prix, Valtteri Bottas showcased commanding performance to secure his first victory after the 2020 Russian GP. The Finnish driver crossed the chequered flag 14.5 seconds before the second-placed Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
However, Silver Arrows’ performance at Istanbul Park has raised eyebrows from many because Mercedes was way quicker on the straights in Turkey with no DRS than their arch-rivals, Red Bull, with it open.
Meanwhile, the Milton-Keynes-based team continues to questions FIA regarding the Mercedes power unit after a sudden upsurge in their pace after the British Grand Prix.
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Red Bull continues to keep the issue simmering: Michael Schmidt
After Red Bull was unsuccessful with their complaint regarding the Mercedes engine after the Russian GP, a report from Auto Motor Und Sport suggests the Austrian team has not stopped questioning the FIA.
“Team boss Christian Horner can only explain this power boost by the fact that the rival found power somewhere and somehow. One suspects that Brixworth is fishing in grey areas,” wrote Michael Schmidt in his column.
“An initial enquiry to the FIA received a negative response. But Red Bull continues to keep the issue simmering. According to Horner, further suspicions are being investigated.”
On the other hand, the Brackley-based team claim they are using identical power units since the 2021 Bahrain Grand Prix.
“Mercedes claims that the engines have been identical since the beginning of the season. In the course of the season, they have only improved the driveability somewhat.” (Translated via Google Translate)
Helmut Marko worried about Mercedes’ straight line speed
During the British Grand Prix, Mercedes came up with a major upgrade to their machinery. And since then, the Brackley-based team have just improved their pace with every race weekend.
Meanwhile, the Red Bull advisor, Helmut Marko, has raised concerned regarding Silver Arrow’s straight-line speed after the Turkish GP.
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“What worries us is this unbelievable top speed from Mercedes on the straights. It has been observed since Silverstone and it seems to be increasing,” said Helmut Marko.
“I don’t know if our Honda people have an antidote. Otherwise, we’ll just have to try chassis-wise to compensate for it somehow,” added the Austrian. (Translated via Google Translate)
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Can Red Bull compete with Mercedes for victory at the United States Grand Prix? What do you think? Let us know in the comments section below.