Honda looking for more power: "The performance is not yet the same"

New year, new rules, but the goal remains the same: Red Bull Racing wants to defend the world title in the 2022 Formula 1 season with Max Verstappen. In addition, the team would like to add the constructors' title. With the departure of engine supplier Honda, that challenge has become even greater, according to Helmut Marko.

Honda continues to support the team for the time being as it transitions its engine project to Red Bull Powertrains. However, the Japanese manufacturer is still looking for more power. Mercedes, in particular, won a lot in that area in the second half of the season. According to Marko, the German racing team had more energy at its disposal during a restart, for example.

With the new 2022 cars, Honda faces an even greater challenge. According to Auto, Motor und Sport the switch from E5 to E10 gasoline would be accompanied by a loss of performance. There would even be a loss of as much as twenty horsepower. This applies not only to Honda, but to all engines.

Marko is not too worried about this. "Honda is working hard to adapt. What I hear is positive," says the Red Bull advisor. "The performance is not yet the same as in 2021, but it remains to be seen what it looks like in race trim."