Max Verstappen, engine trouble: what happened in Montreal

A haunted day, which leaves many unknowns about the continuation of the weekend.

Max Verstappen only 18th after Free Practice 2 heading into the Canadian Grand Prix. The three-time world champion è was slowed down by technical problems with his Red Bull, which reported worrying engine failures in the early stages of the session. "I smell smoke", the Dutch driver è complained over the radio before returning to the pits.

As the session continued in decidedly tricky weather conditions (the rain è increased during FP2, only to almost stop in the very last few minutes), the Red Bull mechanics worked hard around Verstappen’s car not giving the impression that they were solving the grit. The faces of Helmut Marko and the Dutch driver himself also appeared decidedly concerned.

In the hours that followed, there was then talk of a possible failure of the ERS (Energy Recovery System), a component of the engine. The extent of the problem has yet to be assessed, especially in view of the fact that in Canada Red Bull changed the entire power unit (except ES and CE) in both Verstappen and Sergio Perez.

Crucial will be the third free practice, scheduled when it is late afternoon (18:30) in Italy. With the third engine already assembled and the weather that could still do the trick, the weekend in Canada is likely to prove to be already extremely uphill for Verstappen.