Verstappen's Singapore GP engine woes explained in full

Verstappen's Singapore GP engine woes explained in full

Joas van Wingerden

Thursday 20 September 2018 16:33

The issues that Max Verstappen had to deal with during the Singapore Grand Prix have been put into more context, making his second-place finish at Marina Bay all the more impressive. Verstappen's Red Bull suffered power unit issues throughout the race weekend.

Verstappen reported unexpected "engine braking" during Friday practice, an issue that remained through qualifying and the race.

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Somehow, Verstappen was able to qualify in second place and finish the race in P2 – regaining track position thanks to Red Bull's smart pit-stop after Sebastian Vettel had overtaken him on the opening lap.

Motorsport Magazine grand prix editor Mark Hughes explained in greater detail the issues facing Verstappen, and how he was able to cope with them.

"The problem was software-related," Hughes said on F1's official website.

Really happy finishing 2nd, despite technical difficulties! A great @redbullracing team result: hard work pays off ???????? #KeepPushing #SingaporeGP pic.twitter.com/8J4U31v3Fk — Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) September 16, 2018

"When Red Bull ran it in a high engine mode it would suddenly reduce the torque – and also at part-throttle, it wouldn't run cleanly.

"But Max had found that if you took it to peak revs before up-shifting it would be ok.

"So the Safety Car period and the pit stop were a bit problematical. But otherwise it could be driven around ok."

Hustle and grind...???? @Max33Verstappen ???? #SingaporeGP ???????? #F1 pic.twitter.com/QAEqDz2HGv — Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) September 16, 2018