F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Red Bull explains Verstappen's rear brake issue in FP1

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner says Max Verstappen's FP1-ending technical problem at the Mexican Grand Prix was due to an “energy recovery setting” that “got the rear brakes out of control”.

The Dutchman pitted with overheating rear brakes halfway through the session and a fire extinguisher was even needed to contain the smoke coming out of the RB12.

Having initially stayed in his car, Verstappen eventually clambered out and was not able to re-join the action thereafter.

“We had an issue, with the rear brakes basically over heating,” Horner told Sky Sports F1 after the session. “It was an energy recovery setting that we were trying that just got the rear brakes out of control.

“It damaged a couple of the electric looms and that's caused a bit of down time just to get that fixed.

“The rear brakes got that little bit too hot just on the in lap and the thermal build-up when they stop the car unfortunately damaged the looms.

“We’re higher than most European ski resorts around here. The air is pretty thin so you don’t get as much cooling as you would normally do.”

Horner added that the problem will be fixed in time for the second 90-minute free practice session, which gets under way at 14:00, local time.

“Yeah absolutely, no issues there”.

Julien Billiotte

Recent Posts

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

14 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

16 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

17 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

19 hours ago

Back when Kimi knew exactly what he was doing

Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…

20 hours ago

Mercedes fined for starting grid tyre pressure infringement

The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo…

21 hours ago