MAX VERSTAPPEN GETS FOUR NEW POWER UNIT COMPONENTS AFTER BAKU QUALIFYING PROBLEM
Max Verstappen received four new power unit components for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after Red Bull discovered a problem during qualifying in Baku. The team fitted a new internal combustion engine, turbocharger, exhaust set and power unit ancillary component to the Dutchman’s car.
The problem first appeared in Q1 and became worse throughout the session. Verstappen reported that the engine was not working correctly and that he was losing a large amount of time on the straights. The issue also affected the energy deployment and tyre preparation of the Red Bull.
Verstappen had been one of the fastest drivers during the weekend and topped FP3 before qualifying. However, the power unit problem prevented him from fighting for pole position, and he finished Q3 in eighth place with a time of 1:44.081. His teammate Isack Hadjar qualified fourth on his return after missing three races.
Red Bull decided to replace the affected components before the race. Verstappen’s new ICE, turbocharger and exhaust were his fourth examples of those components in 2026, while the new ancillary component was his fifth. The FIA confirmed that all four changes were within the permitted allocation, meaning Verstappen did not receive a grid penalty for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
The changes were important because Baku has one of the longest straights on the Formula 1 calendar, making power delivery and energy deployment particularly important. Verstappen had lost significant straight-line speed during qualifying, with his problem clearly affecting his final position on the grid.
The replacement parts helped Verstappen recover during the race. Starting eighth, he moved through the field and finished second behind George Russell, losing the victory by just 0.196 seconds. Hadjar completed the podium in third, giving Red Bull two cars in the top three.
However, the power unit situation could become important later in the season. Verstappen said after qualifying that he expected to take a grid penalty at some point because of his engine usage. Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has been more cautious, saying the team first needs to inspect the removed components before deciding whether another penalty will be necessary.
Share this content:
