Max Verstappen's Red Bull and rival F1 cars risk DAMAGE in bizarre parc ferme incident

Sergio Perez, Checo Perez, Max Verstappen, Red Bull, China, 2024 — Photo: © IMAGO

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Verstappen's Red Bull and rival F1 cars risk DAMAGE in bizarre parc ferme incident

High wind caused chaos in parc fermé following the sprint qualifying session in Miami

Yara Elshebiny

Sunday 5 May 2024 17:50 Updated: 19:12

Drama struck after qualifying for the Miami Sprint, as strong winds caused chaos in parc fermé.

Friday's qualifying for the second sprint of the 2024 season in Miami was a thrilling affair.

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Max Verstappen put in a storming lap to secure pole position, despite McLaren's Lando Norris initially looking like the man to beat after topping the timesheet in both Q1 and Q2.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc lined up alongside the Dutchman in second, with Sergio Perez in the other Red Bull rounding out the top three.

However, the drama wasn't over after qualifying concluded. As the cars returned to the parc fermé - a strictly regulated zone where scrutineering takes place and minimal car modifications are allowed - an unfortunate incident unfolded.

Max Verstappen went fastest in the second sprint of the season in Miami

Red Bull are in quest to win a third consecutive constructors' title

High winds caused damage

Parc fermé, which translates to 'closed park' in French, is a designated area where qualified cars are impounded after qualifying and before the race.

Strict regulations govern what teams can and can't do to the cars in this area, but unfortunately on this occasion, it wasn't human intervention that caused a problem.

A sudden and strong gust of wind picked up at the Miami International Autodrome, causing the metal fences surrounding the parc fermé to collapse.

These fences are in place to maintain security and prevent unauthorised personnel from getting close to the cars.

However, the wind gust was too strong, and the fences toppled over, landing on the front wings of Verstappen's and Perez's Red Bulls, as well as Lance Stroll's Aston Martin.

The incident drew the attention of F1 TV presenters Will Buxton and James Hinchcliffe, who were seen assisting in getting the fences back upright.

Red Bull Ferrari Perez Norris Leclerc