Red Bull made changes to Max Verstappen’s car shortly before the start of the Formula 1 Canadian GP, which takes place this Sunday (24). Despite the last-minute intervention, the four-time world champion will not suffer any grid penalty.
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The change made by the Austrian team was to the brake master cylinder, a component responsible for generating pressure in the braking system when the pedal is pressed. The modification is within FIA parc fermé rules, allowing the Dutchman to keep his starting position in Montreal – the competitor lines up sixth on the grid.
The Dutchman arrived on Sunday dissatisfied with the behavior of the RB22 after qualifying. Verstappen criticized the setup chosen by Red Bull, stating that he already knew beforehand that this setup would not work. During the qualifying session, the driver also complained that questions posed to the team were ignored.
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Red Bull also made changes to Isack Hadjar’s car before the race. The team replaced the protection of the right rear push rod, as well as the power unit support and the cooling duct assembly. George Russell, pole position with Mercedes, also had a part replaced, the inner drum of the left rear brake duct. Both Hadjar and Russell remained within the regulations and did not receive penalties.
The only driver penalized was Lance Stroll. Aston Martin confirmed that the Canadian will start from the pits after the team opted to change the battery and make other strategic modifications to his car before the race.
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