FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer was spotted in Red Bull’s garage after Max Verstappen demanded an urgent change at the Miami Grand Prix. The Dutchman identified a major problem with his headrest and HANS device which helps keep drivers’ necks safe behind the wheel.
Verstappen flagged the issue over team radio just minutes into FP2, forcing the reigning champion into the garage for emergency repairs. Verstappen moaned over team radio: “Mate my **** headrest again.
“I’m just stuck all the time my head.” Moments later, Red Bull mechanics were seen frantically working on the car in a bid to get Verstappen out for some afternoon running.
Red Bull’s chief engineer Paul Monaghan was then spotted in conversation with Bauer. Team boss Christian Horner later admitted the team had made a “quick fix” to the issue in the garage.
The 49-year-old also stressed the squad would have a better fix in place for qualifying on Saturday. The HANS device is a vital safety feature which was made mandatory in F1 back in 2003.
The tool helps limit the amount of head and neck movement during an accident which massively reduces the risk of injury. However, Verstappen was able to return to the track as the Dutchman laid down the gauntlet on Friday.
The 25-year-old set the fastest time in FP2 with a lap time almost four-tenths quicker than Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz. Verstappen’s lap was also a staggering half a second quicker than team-mate Sergio Perez’s as the Mexican looks to sustain a championship duel.
Charles Leclerc suffered a difficult Friday with the Monegasque crashing towards the end of the second session. Verstappen was earlier only fourth quickest in FP1 after Mercedes stunned the pack with a one-two finish.
On Thursday, the Red Bull star highlighted his confidence over the team’s chances of success in Miami. When asked if Red Bull were likely to be the pacesetters, Verstappen said: “I hope so! I think the cause is very quick. But yeah, let’s see. I mean, we know in qualifying it’s close. But then in the race normally our car, it’s pretty good.”
However, Verstappen suggested Perez has the advantage in Miami because he is less confident on street circuits. He added: “I think sometimes some tracks probably suit you a bit better. And probably for Checo, his driving style and the way he likes the car probably suits a bit better to a street circuit. I personally don’t really enjoy street circuits.
“So probably there is also something in that. I prefer more the fast corners, but that’s how it goes.”
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