Honda explains Verstappen's power loss in Q1
Max Verstappen's loss of power in Italian Grand Prix qualifying was caused by excessive wheelspin triggering the activation of a Honda Formula 1 engine protection mode and an FIA system.
The Red Bull driver failed to set a time in the first part of qualifying when he reported "no power" exiting the first chicane.
He returned to the pitlane at the end of that lap and will start the race at the back of the grid, behind other drivers who have engine penalties this weekend.
Honda's F1 technical director Toyoharu Tanabe said that Verstappen got excessive wheelspin going over a kerb.
He said that triggered a spike in engine revs and caused both a "Honda protection mode and then an FIA system to cut in and reduce power".
Verstappen was second fastest in final practice at Monza, where he is using Honda's upgraded Spec 4 engine for the first time.
Alex Albon only qualified seventh, surprisingly behind both works Renaults, although was one of many drivers not to get a second flying lap in a farcical end to the session.
While Verstappen was left to bemoan his problem he does not anticipate a recurrence.
"I've done my long runs so I'm pretty confident," said Verstappen. "It has never happened before in the race."
Verstappen is also hopeful there will be no repeat of his complicated startline issues from the Belgian Grand Prix
"I had a few starts this morning and they felt good. I think there is room to improve, you never have a perfect start.
"It was pretty decent, but of course starting from the back it's not really highlighted."
Share Or Save This Story
Alfa Romeo must do better in "chaotic" races - Vasseur
Honda: Verstappen relationship 'like a young Senna'
Key team personnel shouldn't be F1 boss - Ferrari
Race ban talk "too harsh" on Franco Colapinto, George Russell and Max Verstappen say
Who slept best last night: Laurent Mekies
How Kimi Antonelli is proving unbeatable, even when he's beaten
The one detail that impresses Red Bull most about Isack Hadjar's "outstanding" F1 return
Isack Hadjar earns "team-mate points" after "exceptional comeback" in Baku, says Alex Brundle
Baku late-race chaos almost costs George Russell victory over Max Verstappen
Has George Russell hit his stride too late? 'With this form I would have been in the fight'
F1 pundit slams Franco Colapinto's "outrageous" Baku crash but rejects Lando Norris's race ban call
How an “informed gamble” enabled Toyota to beat Alpine in the Fuji 6 Hours
Sebastian Vettel gives update on F1 future as he opens up on life after retirement
Why Mercedes is still quicker than McLaren
Baku late-race chaos almost costs George Russell victory over Max Verstappen
How George Russell claimed his career-best pole margin in F1 Azerbaijan GP qualifying
How the chase to catch Mercedes is unfolding
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments