Engine problem for Verstappen
Victim of a power loss, Max Verstappen was unable to complete a single lap in qualifying this Saturday. Honda explains this incident by the engine switching to protection mode.
Following the change of his engine, Max Verstappen knew he would start from the back of the grid in Monza.
The Red Bull driver didn’t even have the chance to shine during the qualifiers due to a technical problem. Indeed, his engine suddenly lost power during Q1, resulting in an early elimination.
After setting off to record his first reference time, the Dutchman indicates over the radio that he has “no more power”.
He then returns to the pits at reduced speed, never to come out again.
Verstappen should logically be reinstated by the race stewards despite not setting a time within the 107% window; however, he will be forced to start from the last position on the grid.
Honda wasted no time in communicating about this incident. Max was unable to set a lap time in Q1 after excessive wheelspin on a kerb, leading to an increase in engine speed. This triggered the engine’s protection mode, followed by a power reduction by an FIA system, commented Toyoharu Tanabe, his technical director.
This weekend, Max Verstappen is using the Spec 4 Honda engine. If it proves reliable, he will attempt another crazy comeback that only he has the secret to.
From our special correspondent in Italy.
