Honda plans for Suzuka with Sochi grid penalty
"In that way it is not such a difficult decision"
Max Verstappen has admitted Red Bull-Honda is looking beyond this weekend’s Russian GP.
The Honda-powered drivers all have new Spec 4 engines fitted at Sochi, which for Verstappen means a five place grid penalty.
"We thought ’Why not do it here?’" he said at Sochi.
"The five places is not going to hurt us much, because you can catch up here and also because I am not going to win this race. You have to be realistic.
"In that way it is not such a difficult decision."
The Dutchman said Red Bull-Honda has a much better chance of doing well at the next races. He admitted that Honda did not want him to take a grid penalty next time out for its home race in Japan.
"It’s a very important race for Honda," he confirmed. "We have never won there in my time but we are going to do everything we can do be strong at Suzuka."
Red Bull
Red Bull ’too slow’ as major F1 rivals close in
Marko now tips Ferrari move for Adrian Newey
Lawson replacing Ricciardo at Imola ’nonsense’ - Marko
FIA should not block Antonelli’s F1 debut - Verstappen
More on Red Bull
Honda
Honda would ’welcome’ Yuki Tsunoda to Aston Martin
Aston Martin already has 2026 F1 ’head-start’ - report
Tsunoda at Aston Martin would be ’great’ - Honda
Honda hard at work on 2026 engine for Aston Martin
Red Bull, Honda, not denying new Tsunoda rumours
More on Honda