Verstappen pulls out of qualifying following gearbox change!

©RedBull

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As Red Bull frantically worked to repair Max Verstappen's heavily damaged RB14, the Dutchman's crew discovered an issue with the car's gearbox that has warranted a change.

Verstappen hit the inside barrier at the exit of the Swimming Pool complex earlier in free practice, a mishap which then put the car into outside guard rail, ripping off the RB14's front right corner.

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The Red Bull team pulled out all the stops in an attempt to ready the car for qualifying but resorted to pulling its driver from the session, unable to be ready in time for Q1.

The regulations stipulate that gearboxes are required to complete six consecutive races before a change, or face the imposition of a five-spot grid penalty.

Verstappen's component change coupled with his absence from qualifying means he will start from the back of the grid at the very least.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.