In a shocking turn of events, the FIA has given the green light to Red Bull Racing for a last-minute alteration to Max Verstappen’s car just before the Bahrain Grand Prix. The alteration was carried out under parc ferme conditions following qualifying, raising concerns among fans and rivals alike.
Verstappen, the reigning world champion, found himself grappling with a troublesome braking issue during Saturday’s qualifying session. This setback hampered his performance, relegating him to a disappointing seventh place on the starting grid. His struggles were somewhat alleviated by championship leader Lando Norris’ own challenges, as the McLaren driver could only secure a position one spot ahead of Verstappen.
Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko, expressed his dismay over the unexpected brake problem plaguing Verstappen’s car. Marko revealed, “It was worse than expected because we changed a few things on the car which we thought would be an improvement, then all of a sudden we had this brake problem.”
Despite the setbacks, both Red Bull cars managed to secure a place in the top 10, with Marko noting, “It was not a smooth qualifying, but both cars were in the top 10, so that was a good achievement. And without the braking problems, it would have been P3 or P4.”
The FIA’s approval of the eleventh-hour modification has stirred controversy within the Formula 1 community, with many questioning the implications for fair competition. However, with the change deemed permissible under the event’s regulations, Verstappen avoids the prospect of starting from the back of the grid.
As the Bahrain Grand Prix unfolds, all eyes will be on Verstappen and his performance following this last-minute adjustment. Will the Dutch driver be able to overcome the challenges and emerge victorious, or will the unforeseen alteration prove to be a hindrance in his quest for glory? The stakes are high, and the drama is set to unfold on the track.
