How much did Verstappen benefit from his new engine? Horner responds……….

Max Verstappen, Formula 1’s reigning champion, has been on an extraordinary streak of dominance, particularly during the 2024 season. While his extraordinary skill behind the wheel is undisputed, there has been considerable speculation about how much of his recent performances can be attributed to Red Bull Racing’s continuous advancements in car development, particularly the latest engine upgrade. Questions surrounding the extent to which this new engine has bolstered Verstappen’s already stellar performance have been a talking point in the paddock, with fans and experts alike offering their theories. Christian Horner, team principal of Red Bull Racing, recently addressed these discussions, offering insight into the advantages the engine provided and how Verstappen was able to maximize its potential.

The Engine Upgrade: What Changed?

Red Bull Racing’s 2024 engine upgrade was developed in close collaboration with Honda, their technical partner, who had remained involved in the engine’s evolution despite officially leaving the sport as an engine manufacturer in 2021. The new power unit boasted several key improvements, including better thermal efficiency, more efficient energy recovery systems (ERS), and a slight boost in overall horsepower. However, as Horner was quick to point out, the engine was not a magic bullet. The upgrades were part of Red Bull’s continuous effort to gain small but critical margins in performance across all areas of the car.

According to Red Bull Racing’s technical director, Pierre Waché, the primary focus of the upgrade was on increasing the powertrain’s reliability while also improving its energy deployment over a race distance. This allowed Verstappen to push harder during high-pressure situations without compromising the car’s long-term performance. Moreover, the updated engine offered greater fuel efficiency, reducing the weight burden during a race and allowing Verstappen to manage tire wear more effectively—a key component of his recent racecraft dominance.

However, the new engine wasn’t just about raw speed. Verstappen and his team have always prioritized balance, and this upgrade was designed with that philosophy in mind. As Horner explained, the team was aware that Verstappen’s driving style demands precise handling, and the new engine’s improved throttle response was carefully tuned to work in harmony with Red Bull’s aerodynamic package.

Horner’s Response: Engine Only Part of the Puzzle

When asked directly about how much Verstappen benefited from the new engine, Horner was candid. He emphasized that while the engine upgrade had indeed contributed to Verstappen’s continued success, it would be inaccurate to attribute his dominant performances solely to this factor. “The engine is one piece of the puzzle,” Horner said during a media briefing following the Qatar Grand Prix. “Yes, the power unit upgrades we’ve implemented this season have been significant, but Max’s success is a combination of his sheer talent, the incredible work by our engineers, and the total package that the car provides. The engine gives him a little extra on the straights, but it’s his ability to extract the most out of every corner and every aspect of the car that makes the difference.”

Horner elaborated on the notion that Verstappen’s true strength lies in his ability to adapt quickly to any changes made to the car, whether they are engine-related or aerodynamic. “Max has this unique capability to immediately understand how the car feels when something changes,” he said. “He has a phenomenal feedback loop with the engineers, and that allows us to fine-tune the setup to perfection. This season, he’s been able to take the new engine and not just go faster in a straight line but use the extra performance strategically during the race.”

Indeed, Verstappen’s race wins following the engine upgrade weren’t just about top speed; they involved smart energy management, clever use of the car’s hybrid systems, and exceptional tire preservation, all of which allowed him to maintain pace during critical phases of the race. The new engine gave him a slight advantage, but Verstappen’s skillset magnified that edge significantly.

Verstappen’s Own View: It’s All About Balance

Verstappen himself has downplayed the notion that the engine upgrade alone is responsible for his performance, though he acknowledges it has played a role. “Of course, any time you get an upgrade, it helps,” Verstappen said in a post-race interview. “But for me, it’s all about the balance of the car. If the engine makes us faster on the straights but compromises how the car behaves in the corners, then it’s not really a benefit. This engine feels great, but I think we’ve done a good job in making sure the car overall is better, not just one part.”

He went on to explain that his driving style depends heavily on how the car handles under braking and through high-speed corners, two areas where Red Bull’s aerodynamic prowess has always been strong. “We’re able to attack certain corners in a way that others might not because the car feels so stable. The engine upgrade lets us carry a bit more speed into some of those corners, but the main thing is that the car doesn’t lose its balance. It’s a total team effort.”

Competitors’ Reactions: A Challenge to Keep Up

Verstappen’s recent performances have prompted some reactions from his closest competitors. Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes and Charles Leclerc of Ferrari both acknowledged that the new Red Bull power unit has given Verstappen a slight edge, but they were quick to highlight the complete package as the real difference-maker.

“Red Bull has the best car on the grid right now,” Hamilton admitted after a particularly tough race in Singapore. “They’ve done a great job with their power unit, but it’s not just that. Their car is so well-rounded, and Max is in a league of his own when it comes to extracting performance from it. We have to keep pushing to close that gap, but it’s not just about copying their engine or anything—it’s about the whole car.”

Leclerc echoed similar sentiments, stating that Ferrari was more focused on improving their own car rather than fixating on Red Bull’s engine upgrades. “We’re working hard to improve every aspect of our car,” Leclerc said. “The engine is part of it, but so is the chassis, the aerodynamics, and everything else. Red Bull and Max have set the bar very high, and we need to match them across the board.”

Honda’s Involvement: A Key Factor?

While Honda officially exited the sport as a full-time engine supplier at the end of the 2021 season, their ongoing collaboration with Red Bull’s Powertrains division has kept them in the conversation as a key player in Red Bull’s continued success. The latest engine upgrade was a direct result of this partnership, with Honda engineers providing valuable input on energy recovery and thermal efficiency technologies that had been in development prior to their exit.

“Honda’s role in this upgrade cannot be understated,” Horner noted. “Their expertise, especially in terms of the hybrid systems and how we recover energy, has been instrumental in pushing our engine performance forward. Even though they are no longer officially in Formula 1, their legacy and technical know-how are still very much a part of our team’s success.”

There are rumors that Honda may increase its involvement with Red Bull in the future, despite their current focus on transitioning to the 2026 regulations and the growing relationship between Red Bull and Ford for future powertrain development. Horner, however, remained tight-lipped about what might come next. “For now, we’re focused on this season and next. Whatever happens with our partnerships beyond that is something we’ll address when the time comes,” he said.

Looking Forward: Can Anyone Catch Verstappen?

As the 2024 season progresses, the question on everyone’s mind is whether anyone can stop Verstappen from winning yet another world championship. The combination of the new engine, Red Bull’s superior aerodynamics, and Verstappen’s unmatched driving ability seems almost insurmountable at this point.

Mercedes, Ferrari, and even Aston Martin have all introduced upgrades of their own in recent races, but none have managed to close the gap to Verstappen consistently. “We’re trying everything we can,” Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said recently. “But Red Bull is ahead in so many areas. We just need to keep pushing and hope that we can find something that brings us closer. Right now, they’re operating at a different level.”

Ferrari has also been hard at work, but their progress has been inconsistent. “We’ve had some good moments, but we’re still not where we need to be,” Leclerc said. “Max and Red Bull have raised the bar, and it’s going to take everything we have to catch up.”

For now, Verstappen remains in the driver’s seat, both literally and figuratively. His ability to make the most of every upgrade, combined with Red Bull’s relentless pursuit of perfection, means that the rest of the grid has a mountain to climb. While the new engine certainly plays a role, it’s clear that Verstappen’s success is the result of a perfect storm of factors that no one else has yet managed to replicate.

As Horner said, “It’s the whole package—driver, car, team, and yes, engine—that’s making the difference right now. But if there’s one thing I know about Formula 1, it’s that nothing lasts forever. Our competitors will be working just as hard as we are to close that gap, and we can’t afford to take anything for granted.