Max Verstappen says he wants to “print-out” proof that Red Bull’s advantage in straight-line speed is not related to his Honda Formula 1 engine but a low-downforce set-up.
Verstappen is leading the drivers’ standings for the first time in his career, extending his lead over Lewis Hamilton to 12 points after winning the French Grand Prix.
Hamilton made a reference to Red Bull’s speed on the straights at Paul Ricard, on a weekend it introduced its second Honda power unit for the year.
This was followed by Mercedes boss Toto Wolff’s comments about Red Bull’s engine, leaving team boss Christian Horner “baffled” given teams are banned from bringing performance upgrades.
Speaking after claiming pole position for the Styrian Grand Prix, Verstappen responded to theories over recent gains since changing engines, making clear his performance in Austria was down to a rear wing set-up.
“I think next time, I am going to bring a print-out of the rear wing difference we’re running, and then I’m going to hand it over to every single journalist,” Verstappen said, as quoted by Motorsport.com.
“Because I get these questions [for] two or three weeks now, that we are really quick in the straight, and yes we are. But look at our rear wing. I don’t think it’s exactly the same.
“For sure, Honda did a great job compared to last year. But from our first engine to the engine we have in the car now, it’s all about reliability improvements, and no clear advantage on pure power.
“So I’m going to fire up my printer next time, and I’m going to hand over a few shots.”
Verstappen finished two-tenths clear of Mercedes in qualifying around the Red Bull Ring, claiming Red Bull’s first back-to-back poles in the V6 hybrid era.
Hamilton, who starts on the front row alongside Verstappen, again highlighted Red Bull’s straight-line speed after the session.
“They’ve had straight-line speed again here this weekend, which is hard for us to compete with,” Hamilton said.
“But I’m really proud of the team for just continuing to push hard and not leaving any stone unturned.”
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