Verstappen on Q1 issues: It has never happened to me before

Martin Macdonald
Saturday 7 September 2019 17:35

Max Verstappen says the engine problem which left him without a recorded qualifying time for the Italian Grand Prix is one that he has never encountered.

The Dutchman was already facing a grid penalty after receiving new power unit components for Monza, but didn’t even get the opportunity to post a better time than drivers in a similar situation as he bowed out of Q1.

Honda technical director Toyoharu Tanabe described what the issue was, saying: “Max was unable to set a time in Q1 after he got excessive wheelspin going over a kerb with a resultant rise in engine revs, causing a Honda protection mode and then an FIA system cut in and reduce power.”

Verstappen admits he has never seen such an issue, but remains hopeful he can make up the ground from the back on the grid on Sunday.

"I've done my long runs so I'm pretty confident," said the Red Bull man.

"It has never happened before in the race."

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As for another engine issue he has been having recently, his slow starts off the line, he believes the team have found improvements in that area from last week in Spa.

"I had a few starts this morning and they felt good. I think there is room to improve, you never have a perfect start,” he added.

"It was pretty decent, but of course starting from the back it's not really highlighted."