With only two races left with Renault power, Red Bull chiefs are bullish about their looming Honda era, prompting the team's consultant Helmut Marko to reveal that their target is for Max Verstappen to become the youngest Formula 1 World Champion next year.
Speaking in the wake of Verstappen's commanding win at Sunday's Mexican Grand Prix, Marko said in an interview with James Allen, "We’re really looking forward to next year. The aim is to have the youngest world champion. Two years we have, but we go for it next year."
“We know the first year with a new engine manufacturer is not easy. But the aim is, and the goal that I’ve told all the people, is that we have to go for the championship, from the beginning. No excuses.”
For now, Sebastian Vettel remains the sport's youngest F1 World Champion when he achieved the feat in 2010 at the age of 23 years and 134 days, driving for the energy drinks outfit at the time.
Red Bull bosses remain confident that Honda will deliver the goods next year, the signs on track right indicate that the Japanese auto giant has made great strides this season with their power unit package, whether they can now match Ferrari and Mercedes is questionable.
Toro Rosso have been the test bed for next season, hence their cars have suffered the most engine penalties of all teams this season, apparently, all towards ensuring that they are on top of things when the RA618H power units are bolted on to the back of the Adrian Newey penned RB15.
Dr Marko: On the radio he’s talking like he’s sitting with a cup of tea
“It’s tactical to get the best for next year," explained Marko. "Toro Rosso are sacrificing their season for next year. It’s part of our concept that we have with Honda. The figures are already ahead of Renault."
There is no guarantee that there will not be more engine penalties next season, but Marko is sure their Dutch star driver can make up the difference, "Even so if you have one or two starts from the back, with Verstappen there’s some excitement."
“On the radio he’s talking like he’s sitting with a cup of tea. The sort of information he is asking for... He’s unbelievable. There is no limit yet.”
Team chief Christian Horner is on the same page as the Doctor, “You’ve seen [in Mexico] if we’ve an engine that’s anywhere near the ballpark of our opponents then I think we’ve got a strong enough team and strong enough driver package to take the fight to them.”
“We’re obviously hopeful that the Honda, with the progress they’re making, will put us into the situation that we’re more regularly able to compete like we are here, with the optimum downforce and setting on the car,” added Horner.
Verstappen Formula 1 records:
- Aged 17 years and three days, he was the youngest driver to take part in an official F1 session when he did duty for Toro Rosso in FP1 at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix;
- At 17 years and 166 days, he became the youngest driver to start a grand prix in Australia 2015 with Toro Rosso;
- At 17 years and 180 days he became the youngest ever points scorer with seventh place at the 2015 Malaysian Grand Prix;
- At 18 years and 228, days he became the youngest winner when he powered to victory at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix in his debut for Red Bull - he also became the youngest podium finisher and youngest F1 race leader on the day;
- At 19 years and 44 days, became the youngest driver to set the fastest lap during the race when he did so at the 2016 Brazilian Grand Prix;
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