Qatar GP: precautionary engine change for Verstappen
Just around forty minutes before the start of the Qatar Grand Prix, news arrived in the paddock that could complicate Max Verstappen’s attempt to close the championship gap. The Dutch Red Bull driver, who sits 25 points behind Lando Norris in the standings and will start today’s race from third on the grid, has carried out an almost complete power unit change. On car #1, the team replaced the ICE, turbo, MGU-H and MGU-K.
Max Verstappen will not receive any grid penalties, as all the components fitted today have already been used earlier in the season. However, the reason behind this sudden change has raised some concern within the team.
According to Dutch journalist Erik van Haren of De Telegraaf – who is always very well informed on everything regarding Max Verstappen – the power unit replacement was carried out as a precaution, aimed at preventing potential reliability issues. As a result, Max Verstappen will not race with the newer power unit introduced in Brazil, but with an older one.
The race will reveal whether this decision influences the performance of the reigning world champion and affects his chances of reducing the gap to Lando Norris in the Drivers’ Championship.
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