New engine for Max in Budapest

Published on 01 August 2021 by Kees-Jan Koster

Max Verstappen will start the Hungarian Grand Prix with a new power unit. During post-qualifying checks engine supplier Honda noticed an issue, necessitating the change of the engine.

Max’ (second) power unit survived the crash at Silverstone, as was established after thorough checks. But now the Japanese firm has discovered a hairline fracture close to the chassis. This is likely to be an after-effect of the severe crash two weeks ago. Further investigations will have to establish if this engine will be usable during free-practice.

Another setback for Verstappen who will be using his third engine, the maximum allowed in a Formula 1 season. Max will start from P3 in Hungary, but if it is needed to change to a new power unit again later in the season, he will suffer a grid penalty.

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