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Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s advisor, has delivered positive news for Max Verstappen’s fans regarding engine troubles. The Austrian claims that the issues with Verstappen’s power unit are not as severe as they initially appeared. On Friday, during the second free practice session (VT2), the three-time world champion had to cut his session short due to engine problems. Despite this, Team Principal Christian Horner has not entirely ruled out the possibility of a grid penalty.
Challenges in Mexico City
The opening day of the event in Mexico City was not what Verstappen anticipated. Technical difficulties with his RB20 engine forced the Red Bull driver to exit the second practice session prematurely. Earlier that day, he had already encountered similar issues during the first practice session (VT1).
Marko Addresses Engine Concerns
After VT2, Marko confirmed to ORF, “We are facing the same issue as before. We are currently investigating why it has resurfaced, but it has been fixed.” He reassured fans of the three-time world champion, stating, “It’s not a critical problem. It just requires a solution. There seems to be a leak somewhere. The upside for Verstappen is that he hasn’t lost much track time due to these engine issues, which is beneficial given that the second practice focused on tire testing for 2025.”
The Possibility of a Grid Penalty
With the engine issue deemed manageable, does this imply that Verstappen is out of the woods regarding potential grid penalties? Christian Horner remains cautious. “I don’t think any driver is ever truly safe from penalties, as we saw during VT1. However, we hope it’s just a minor issue,” he remarked. “Ultimately, it’s more a question for our engine partner, Honda, about their comfort level going into the season’s finale. We are always operating on the edge,” the British team principal concluded.
Looking Ahead
As the championship continues, the pressure mounts on both Verstappen and Red Bull to resolve these engine problems before the race. Team strategies need to be carefully calibrated to maximize performance without risking reliability. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these issues evolve as the weekend progresses.
In the fast-paced world of Formula 1, every fraction of a second counts, and even the slightest technical hiccups can have significant repercussions. Red Bull has demonstrated resilience in the face of challenges, and with analysis and teamwork, they aim to ensure Verstappen remains competitive in this thrilling championship battle.
The stages are set, and both Verstappen and his team understand what is at stake. As the Mexican Grand Prix approaches, fans eagerly anticipate how this unfolding drama will play out on the racetrack.
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