Red Bull reveal fuel "vacuum" led to Bahrain double DNF

Red Bull has revealed the cause of the double DNF that turned its Bahrain Grand Prix into a disaster on Sunday.

Reigning F1 champion Max Verstappen was on course to finish runner-up behind Ferrari's Charles Leclerc on Sunday when he suffered a late retirement.

On the final lap, team-mate Sergio Perez suffered a similar fate that forced him into a spin in turn one when the Mexican was set to inherit third after Verstappen faltered.

Team principal Christian Horner initially suggested there was a problem with the fuel system since when claims the cars were inadequately fuelled have been dismissed.

Offering an explanation, advisor Helmut Marko said: "To put it simply, a vacuum in the fuel supply system caused the engine to run out of fuel.

"I think we can solve the problem for Saudi Arabia this weekend."

The 'vacuum' meant the remaining litres of fuel in both cars were unable to be picked up.

Speaking to f1-insider, Marko added: "Without giving exact figures, there was still enough petrol in the tank of both cars.

"Basically we were fast enough [in Bahrain]. We were just not able to use our potential at the decisive moment.

"In Saudi Arabia, we will be back at full speed and fighting for victory."

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

What is in an F1 contract? Dutch insider reveals all after Max Verstappen signs $500M deal

• 20 minutes ago

Aston Martin have found THREE seconds in pace, but Honda think they can go even faster

• 1 hour ago

F1 star returns after four-year ban lifted

• 1 hour ago

F1 News Today: Russell and Antonelli face FIA penalties as late Monaco GP result set for confirmation

• 2 hours ago

Kimi Antonelli set to star alongside Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck in iconic Disney comic book

• Yesterday 22:30

American F1 team has a huge cost cap issue, and it's finally time to sell up

• Yesterday 21:45