Red Bull chief warns of threat of fine after Max Verstappen’s engine problems

After Max Verstappen reported an unusual noise from the power unit of his RB20 during second practice in Mexico, Red Bull launched an investigation to identify the source. Team Leader Christian Horner hinted that the problem could signal a potential engine failure, which could force Red Bull to install a new power unit in Verstappen’s car. Such a change would result in a ten-place grid penalty for Sunday’s Grand Prix, potentially reducing its championship lead over McLaren. Lando Norris.

The three-time world champion exceeded the internal combustion engine limit for the 2024 season, causing him to receive a grid penalty at the Belgian Grand Prix, which saw him finish fifth. However, Verstappen appeared to be dealing with an engine problem ahead of the Mexico Grand Prix after reporting that his RB20 was not making full power in FP1.

During the second stage the problem appeared to worsen as Verstappen reported a “strange noise” from the engine and later added to his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase: “The noise is very worrying. This can’t be normal.” Back at the garage, Milton Keynes staff posted a message on Xstating, “Machine 1 will no longer run in FP2 as we continue to investigate the PU issue.”

With five races remaining in the season, the championship battle with Norris could go either way as Verstappen maintains a lead of just 57 points over the British driver. Addressing the media regarding Verstappen’s “useless day” said:

“It was from the engine side, we are checking, I don’t know exactly what it is. On my part, this is an almost useless day. Four or five laps, not much to read about now.

“I never had good results, only four or five laps, and that’s even taking into account some long laps. A day to forget.”

Speaking about the possibility of an engine penalty, Verstappen said:

“Everything will be okay.”

However, Horner admitted that nothing could be said at this stage, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the situation, although he hoped it was a minor issue. He added:

“I don’t think you’ll ever be safe, as we just saw in the last session.

“But hopefully it’s just a small problem.

“I think it’s more a question for our engine partner how comfortable they feel going into the end of the year. But you’re always on the limit.”