Formula 1: Red Bull’s team principal Christian Horner has revealed the seriousness of the technical issues that threatened Max Verstappen’s derail at the Hungarian GP. Due to an engine issue in the qualifying session, Verstappen had to start the race from the tenth spot. Follow Formula 1 LIVE Updates with InsideSport.IN
Red Bull’s team principal Christian Horner uncovered after the race that recognizing the issue in the wake of qualifying forestalled a race retirement. “We changed the power unit because a part broke on Saturday for Max,” Horner said.
“We are very happy that the part broke on Saturday. Otherwise, the engine would have broken twelve kilometers later on the way to the grid. We replaced the entire power unit instead of trying to repair it. We also replaced the power unit on Checo’s car as a precaution,” Horner added.
The Red Bull driver took a new power unit ahead of the Hungarian GP, after being hampered by power loss issues during the qualifying (Q3) session. The issue implied Verstappen had to begin the race from the 10th spot but, since he actually had power units to use in his portion, he took no grid penalties.
Power issues for Verstappen at the business end of qualifying 😫#HungarianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/oQcBxfGf3e
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 30, 2022
Meanwhile, Verstappen proceeded to take a wonderful triumph from the fifth line of the grid to extend his title lead over Charles Leclerc to 80 points. Moreover, equipped with a new power unit, Verstappen made his way towards the front of the pack to pass title rival Charles Leclerc for the lead.
After 13/22 rounds 👀#HungarianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/Jqvyb3OBOb
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 31, 2022
However, Verstappen had to again overtake Leclerc after a spin at the exit of Turn 13, which momentarily set him back behind Leclerc. But, there was no stopping Verstappen as he once again overtook the Monegasque driver.
LAP 42/70
Verstappen spins and Leclerc gets back in front of his rival #HungarianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/7mCfo1BGLy
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 31, 2022
Verstappen confirmed after the race that he believed the spin was connected with a clutch issue, an issue which was likewise affirmed by Horner. “We had an issue with the clutch on Max’s car, which he was able to manage,” Horner further added.
“The temperatures were getting a bit too high. That was also why we left him a gap to Carlos after the first stop. But when we released him after the clutch problem was under control, he had great speed,” Horner concluded.
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