Honda forced to change Verstappen’s F1 engine ahead of Hungarian GP

Honda has replaced Max Verstappen’s power unit ahead of Formula 1’s Hungarian Grand Prix due to concerns after an anomaly was discovered following qualifying.
Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing RB16B.
Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing RB16B.
© xpbimages.com

The Japanese manufacturer confirmed Verstappen had switched back to a previous engine following qualifying after it “noticed something on Max’s PU which might have developed over the course of the weekend”.

Despite Verstappen’s high-speed, 51G crash at the British Grand Prix, Honda had originally given Red Bull the green light to continue using the power unit after running it successfully during Friday practice.

But a U-turn was made after Honda discovered that a potential issue could develop, which it cited as being a likely “after-effect” of his huge accident at Silverstone.

Verstappen has not occurred a penalty for the change and will subsequently line-up third on the grid for Sunday’s race.

“During post-qualifying checks we noticed something on Max’s PU which might have developed over the course of the weekend, likely to be an after-effect of the Silverstone crash,” a Honda statement read.

“We have therefore changed it for a new PU of the same specification. According to the regulations, Max is allowed to start from his third position on the grid with no penalty incurred.”

Read More

Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter

Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox