Christian Horner hopes he will not have to change engines or their parts in the remaining six races of the season. On several occasions over the last few races, Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez have had new engines resulting in grid penalties. The team boss now reveals that these changes were precautionary.

After qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix, the race management had quite a task in drawing up the starting grid. It had to do with grid penalties following the change of the power unit, or parts of it. At Red Bull Racing, the swap was not so much necessary, but parts were replaced as a precaution so there would be no hindrance on tracks where overtaking is difficult. Speaking to Speedweek.com the situation.

Not an ideal overtaking circuit

Singapore is known for not being an ideal overtaking circuit, so Horner admits there was a need to avoid grid penalties during the race at the Marina Bay Circuit. "That's true. In Singapore, overtaking would be much more difficult. And we have good race form," the team boss explained. Fortunately, the grid penalties from the past races have not caused a disappointing result either. Verstappen managed to take victory in the past five races, so Horner hopes to continue this successful run. "We hope we can now make it to the end of the season without any more penalties."

World title

Theoretically, reigning world champion Verstappen could already become champion in Singapore, although this would have to be accompanied by extra luck. The best-case scenario would be if Verstappen takes the title one race later in Japan, Honda's home circuit. Despite the large lead, Horner does not yet want to talk of a title fight already decided:"We don't see it that way. We have had an exciting year so far, but there are still a few races to go and we are always looking ahead to the next one. Even though we have had fantastic performances so far," he concludes.