Hamilton’s new grid penalty has ‘convinced’ Red Bull

With the battle for the title nearing its conclusion, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko believes Mercedes may be at a disadvantage due to Lewis Hamilton’s engine pool.

Mercedes will have to modify Lewis Hamilton’s engine again before the end of the 2021 season, according to Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko.

There has been much speculation about whether the British driver will require a fifth engine over the last five races.

Given that any change will result in a grid penalty, putting the driver towards the back of the field, such a move might have a big impact on the title race.

At the Turkish Grand Prix, Hamilton used a new Internal Combustion Engine. Due to the fact that this was only one part of the power unit, the punishment was reduced to a 10-place grid drop rather than a move to the back.

Nonetheless, Marko feels that during the title run-in, the seven-time World Champion will have to install the new engine.

“We remain convinced that Hamilton needs a new engine,” the Austrian said.

In addition to this possibility working in Red Bull’s favour, Marko believes the team will have an advantage in adapting to changing weather conditions at several upcoming Grands Prix.

“We are going to races where it is hot and in the past that has given us an advantage,” he added.

While Hamilton has yet to get another engine penalty, Valtteri Bottas, Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate, has been penalised in three of the last four races.

No more engine changes at Red Bull

Both Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez in the Red Bull camp have faced grid penalties in 2021 after switching engines, but Marko does not expect either driver to have to do so again.

“Under normal circumstances, we will not need to change engines,” Marko said.

Verstappen leads the championship by a 12-point lead over Hamilton heading into the second round of the season, the Mexican Grand Prix.

In the Constructors’ Championship, though, Red Bull is 23 points behind Mercedes.

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