Marko explains Red Bull gearbox decision for Verstappen

No risk according to Marko

A stroke of luck for the Dutchman: Red Bull Racing saw no need to replace his gearbox and so he need not fear a grid penalty. Marko said earlier that he didn't want to take any risks and that the team would make the change if necessary.

That appears not to be the case. "The engineers say there is no risk," Marko explains the choice briefly opposite Motorsport-Magazin.com. Verstappen will therefore have to start the race behind both Mercedes drivers, but at least he will avoid a possible grid penalty.

Verstappen can become world champion in Saudi Arabia

Before his accident, Verstappen was on course for a spectacular pole time. In the first two sectors he was faster than everyone else and even in the final sector his pace was inimitable, until the final corner. Title rival Lewis Hamilton will now start from pole, but Verstappen still has a chance to take the world title today. The race would have to be very strange for Hamilton to finish in sixth place.