F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Honda to assess Verstappen engine in FP1 in Hungary

Honda will get a final verdict in FP1 in Hungary on whether Max Verstappen's Silverstone engine will be able to remain in Red Bull's pool of hardware after the Dutchman's massive 51G crash on the opening lap of the British Grand Prix.

The power unit was sent back to Honda's Japanese base in Sakura after the Silverstone race weekend for 'thorough checks' and was subsequently transported back to the UK after receiving the green light from the Japanese engineers.

However, Honda will conduct another full analysis of the engine's functions during Friday's first practice session at the Hungaroring.

The unit and its six components were within their normal life-cycle and permitted allocation cycle, meaning that if any element needs to be replaced in Hungary, Verstappen would not incur a grid penalty.

"The PU was sent back to Sakura for thorough checks," Honda said ahead of this weekend's race.

"We also replaced certain parts, as allowed in the regulations, without breaking the FIA seals.

"We will use the engine this Friday to give it a proper track test, after which we should have a clearer picture of its viability as a race engine."

Verstappen will resume his championship charge in Budapest with an 8-point lead over arch-rival Max Verstappen in the Drivers' standings, while Red Bull leads Mercedes in the Constructors' championship by just 4 points.

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