Verstappen will try his Silverstone engine this Friday
Red Bull brought up the hybrid turbo V6 engine that was involved in the Silverstone incident to test it during free practice 1.
Honda confirmed that the engine that will equip Max Verstappen’s Red Bull during the first free practice session in Hungary is the one that was involved in the accident at Silverstone two weeks ago.
After the crash between Verstappen and Hamilton, the Japanese motorist feared that there would be too much damage to the power unit. After a series of tests at the Honda factory in Sakura and changing a few elements, the engine was declared operational to race this weekend. Nevertheless, the engine will have to undergo some additional tests during the first practice session tomorrow morning.
We replaced certain parts as allowed by regulations, but without breaking the FIA seals. We will use this engine on Friday during the tests for an on-track test, after which we should have a clearer picture of its viability as a race engine,” Honda.
While the cost of repairs on the RB16B is close to $1.8 million, the fact that the engine has been declared operational for the race would be a relief for Red Bull and Max Verstappen. In a year where budget caps have been implemented, replacing such a part could jeopardize the team’s season finale.
Furthermore, if the engine’s condition is not good enough, Max Verstappen would then use a third hybrid turbo V6. Knowing that the regulation only allows three power units per season and per driver, introducing a new power unit at the end of the year would mean a penalty for the Dutch driver.
