The gearbox involved in Verstappen’s retirement had been inspected earlier
During the first practice session for the Dutch Grand Prix, Verstappen was forced to retire in the early laps due to a gearbox issue.
For his return in front of his audience after his victory in 2021, Verstappen didn’t last long on the track. After a few laps of the circuit and a recorded time, the driver had to abandon and stop in the middle of the track due to a gearbox problem.
A problem that could have occurred right from the start, even before the free practice sessions began. This is what was specified in a report by the FIA.
The report states that a joint was broken on the gearbox well before the practice sessions started. This action had been taken in order to replace the gearbox locking insert.
But according to the regulations, this should not have been sanctioned and was even in compliance.
« The following parts are not considered as part of the gearbox and can be changed without incurring any penalty under the provisions of the aforementioned article. Seals and inner seals of the drive shaft, but not their casing, if it is an integral part of the output shaft of the gearbox and therefore part of the suspended mass. »
The driver was able to start free practice 1, but was then held back by the gearbox that didn’t hold up.
