Red Bull changes Verstappen's gearbox after driveshaft failure

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Red Bull has undertaken a gearbox change on Max Verstappen's RB19 in the wake of the Dutchman's driveshaft failure in qualifying in Jeddah.

It's the second such change on Verstappen's car this weekend, as the team had fitted a new transmission to the Red Bull charger's RB19 on Saturday morning.

Ahead of Sunday's race, Verstappen's crews reverted to the gearbox and hydraulic system previously used on Friday.

Red Bull has also elected to replace the rear suspension on both sides of the RB19, including the driveshafts.

Fortunately, no penalties are associated with changes.

Verstappen will start his race from P15 on the grid, three places behind Ferrari's Charles Leclerc who was demoted 10 spots after qualifying due to an engine change and subsequent grid penalty.

Read also: Driveshaft failure leaves Verstappen with a 'little bit more tricky' race

The Dutchman anticipates a "tricky race" but is convinced that he can "move forward", but admitted that winning could be "a bit of a stretch".

"Starting around that spot is normally a bit of chaos on the first lap," Verstappen said after qualifying.

"It's not like some places, you can't just like run off the track to avoid things because there is a wall. It's definitely I think a little bit more tricky than a lap one in Spa, for example.

"I'm sure that we can move forward. I do think that trying to win the race is a bit of a stretch because of the management that needs to happen on the tyres, and everyone just seems to drive to a certain pace.

"We'll try to recover as much as we can, and I know it's a long season, so a lot of things can happen."

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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.