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Verstappen's engine breaks down during second free practice

Update | Problems for Verstappen: ERS fault on new PU ends his day early

7 June at 22:34
Last update 7 June at 22:45
1
  • Tim Kraaij

Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing are having problems in Canada. Verstappen had to climb out of his car safely and also smelt burning frm his car. The RB20 is now under investigation and is not safe to touch for mechanics.

Just before the halfway point in the second free practice, Verstappen came into the pits with a serious message on the team radio. Verstappen smelled fire in his car and stated that the team should be ready with fans. It turned out that there was more going on than fire because Verstappen had to jump out of his car safely.

This safe method is necessary if the car gives a signal that it may be electrically charged. Technicians cannot simply start work. In the pits there was then a lot of work on Verstappen's car and the Dutchman's garage was cordoned off with a tape.

The bad news for Verstappen is that in Canada, of all places, it concerns a brand-new engine. Prior to the weekend, it was placed in Verstappen's car. Whether it can still be used for the rest of the weekend remains to be seen.

Red Bull have now said what issue caused Verstappen's RB20 to catch fire, with the Austrian team telling GPblog, "We have an ERS fault on car 1 and we are investigating." As a result of that fault, the Dutchman did not continue for the rest of FP2.