Purple Bull group principal Christian Horner believes the flexi-wing clampdown for the Spanish Grand Prix may very well be a “game-changer” within the F1 title race.
One level separates Lando Norris and Max Verstappen on the high of the F1 drivers’ championship.
Verstappen delivered a masterclass to win the final race at Suzuka from pole place.
It means Verstappen, Norris and Oscar Piastri have one race win every heading into this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix.
It’s extensively accepted that McLaren has the quickest automobile in F1, even when it has been tough for each drivers to tame now and again.
For the Spanish GP in June, the FIA will introduce stricter checks to fight versatile entrance wings.
Purple Bull anticipate that the brand new ruling will doubtlessly affect McLaren’s competitiveness, opening the door for Verstappen within the title race.
Earlier than that, there are nonetheless 5 races, that means Verstappen must keep in touching distance to capitalise.
Chatting with Channel 4 after the race on Sunday, Horner stated: “Effectively look, I imply, within the first three races, we’ve [finished] 0.8 of a second behind Lando – We had been fourth in China and received this race.
“So we’re one level behind within the driver’s championship. Don’t underestimate the regulation change of race 9, you understand, with these entrance wings. That may very well be a game-changer. The primary 4 are tremendous tight, and as you nicely know, there’s no higher tonic than a win.”
Horner: Verstappen is “very dedicated”
Amid Purple Bull’s downturn in type, Verstappen’s F1 future continues to dominate the headlines.
With each Mercedes drivers out of contract on the finish of 2025, Verstappen may very well be an possibility for them.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff expressed severe curiosity in Verstappen final yr earlier than deciding on Kimi Antonelli.
Aston Martin, who Honda will energy from subsequent yr, have an curiosity in Verstappen.
Nonetheless, Horner is assured Verstappen is “very dedicated” to Purple Bull and that curiosity in his driver is to be anticipated.
“I feel Max has made his place very clear on that earlier than the weekend,” Horner added.
“He’s very dedicated to the group, the surroundings he’s in. He’s working tougher than I’ve ever seen behind the scenes along with his engineering workers.
“Max is, in fact, essentially the most demand driver within the paddock. However I feel he’s content material the place he’s, we all know we have to proceed enhancing – and I don’t see him anyplace else.”
