P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Red Bull is entering deeply into the unknown as an F1 engine supplier, but it does have a four-time world champion to support its new challenge.
Red Bull Powertrains technical director Ben Hodgkinson believes Max Verstappen’s “world-class” talent will provide the Austrian F1 team with a significant advantage in the upcoming season. The team recently unveiled the livery of the RB22 at an event in Detroit, signaling the beginning of a new era for Red Bull without key figures like Christian Horner and Helmut Marko. Red Bull is venturing into developing its own powertrains under the new F1 regulations, posing a major challenge due to its limited experience in engine development compared to top competitors. The complexity of the new regulations, with a 50/50 split between electrical power and internal combustion, will require strategic in-race management by drivers, something Hodgkinson believes can be effectively leveraged by Verstappen’s exceptional skills. Hodgkinson highlighted Max’s ability to process complex information at high speeds as a key factor that could give Red Bull an edge in the upcoming season.
