Honda changes Verstappen's PU ahead of Hungarian GP

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Honda has opted to change Max Verstappen's power unit ahead of Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix after noticing a potential issue likely linked to the Red Bull driver's Silverstone crash.

After the British Grand Prix and Verstappen's 51G crash, Honda sent the unit back to its Sakura base in Japan where several damaged external components were allowed to be replaced.

The engine was then installed in the Dutchman's car for this weekend's round of racing at the Hungaroring, with Honda giving the unit the all-clear after Friday's opening day of running.

However, after further checks were conducted on Saturday, Honda felt compelled to replace the engine for race day.

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"During post-qualifying checks we noticed something on Max’s PU which might have developed over the course of the weekend, likely to be an after-effect of the Silverstone crash," Honda explained.

"We have therefore changed it for a new PU of the same specification. According to the regulations, Max is allowed to start from his third position on the grid with no penalty incurred."

Honda has thus introduced a third and final engine into Verstappen's pool of hardware which opens up the prospect of a grid penalty for the championship leader if ever a fourth unit is required at tome point down the road.

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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.