Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Motorsport prime

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Edition

Australia

FIA investigating Verstappen's lost engine cover

Max Verstappen is under investigation for an unsafe release in qualifying after the engine cover flew off his Toro Rosso shortly after he left the pits.

Max Verstappen, Scuderia Toro Rosso STR10

Max Verstappen, Scuderia Toro Rosso STR10

XPB Images

Max Verstappen, Scuderia Toro Rosso
Max Verstappen, Scuderia Toro Rosso STR10
Max Verstappen, Scuderia Toro Rosso STR10
Max Verstappen, Scuderia Toro Rosso STR10 supported by his fans
Max Verstappen, Scuderia Toro Rosso STR10

Verstappen had an engine issue in Q1 and was only able to take to the track in the closing minutes of the session.

The engine cover flew off early in the lap, leaving debris on the track.

Although it appeared that it might have been the result of a mistake by the mechanics, the Dutch driver told journalists that the team knew that not all the fastening screws were done up, but had opted to send the car out anyway.

It is likely that the FIA could consider that decision a serious matter, especially given the current debate over debris in the light of both the Spa tyre failures and the Justin Wilson accident.

"We were really in a hurry," said Verstappen. "Normally we wouldn't get it done, but I was quite surprised the team did a really good job on that.

"Then I think the bodywork was only like 50 per cent from all the bolts, because they thought it would hold on, as it's quite strong. But I think it just got too much vibration out of the pit. It's very thin carbon."

Asked why the team was keen for him to go out he said: "Just to check the engine and see if everything was alright."

Meanwhile, Verstappen has been credited with an extra engine change by the FIA after the team refitted a used engine which had had its FIA seals broken.

That is regarded as a fresh engine by the stewards.

Be part of Motorsport community

Join the conversation
Previous article Hamilton waits on Rosberg engine investigation
Next article Rivals helped Lotus out of tyre blanket drama

Top Comments

There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Motorsport prime

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Edition

Australia