New information has come out about the problem Max Verstappen had with his drive shaft during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. A Red Bull Racing insider has, according to Auto Motor and Sport informed that a loose screw was the cause of the problem.
Verstappen cut like a hot knife through butter in Jeddah and quickly managed to convert his fifteenth starting position into a second position. Many had expected that an attack would follow on race director – and also teammate – Sergio Pérez, but this failed to materialise. Verstappen announced over the on-board radio that he had a problem with his drive shaft. However, he later set the fastest race lap, leading some – including Eddie Jordan – to believe that Verstappen had fabricated the problem. This turns out not to be the case, because new details have now come out and there turned out to be an issue.
No fundamental problem with drive shaft Verstappen
Usually very reliable Auto Motor and Sport says he has heard from a Red Bull insider that the problem with the drive shaft is not something fundamental. Although there was an issue with Verstappen’s car in Saudi Arabia, it was caused by a screw that came loose and affected the drive shaft. The German medium reports that something was not tightened properly when adjusting the RB19, causing a screw to come loose from the side of the gearbox during the race.
Screw comes loose and found way towards drive shaft
This screw would then have found its way to the drive shaft, where it caused problems. Verstappen noticed over the on-board radio that something was wrong, but luckily he was able to send his car to the finish. He eventually crossed the line in second, behind teammate Pérez. The fact that it is not a fundamental problem with the drive shaft is a boost for Verstappen.
