Ever since the first practice session at Spa Francorchamps, Max Verstappen remained one of the brightest prospects into scoring a podium on Saturday. But, the way the Dutchman ended his second practice session may have complicated his advantage over Mercedes.

With hardly 3 minutes left on the clock during FP2, yellow flags came out, leaving a huge question over the reason. Soon, the cameras turned their attention to turn 7, where the Red Bull of Verstappen found itself stranded near the barriers meters away from the exit of the corner.

Hence, with insufficient time left, the stewards called off the session by bringing out the red flags.

Top Stories

f1

3 Years After His Death, Niki Lauda’s Wife Brutally Disrespects Him to Initiate $32,000,000 Battle Against Own Children

3+ weeks ago

f1

Max Verstappen’s Siblings: Everything We Know About Victoria, Blue Jaye, Jason Jaxx, and Mila Faye

3+ weeks ago

f1

Despite 103 Wins & 7 WDCs, Lewis Hamilton’s Approach to F1 Doubted as Fernando Alonso’s “DNA” Deemed Superior

3+ weeks ago

f1

Lando Norris Recalls Tough Times in an Emotional Message as Zak Brown & Co. Begins to Turn the Tide in F1

3+ weeks ago

f1

Protected Max Verstappen to Get Worthy Opponent as Lando Norris Dubbed Red Bull-Ready by F1 Driver Turned Pundit

3+ weeks ago

What happened to Max Verstappen during FP2?

Verstappen was on a hot lap, and as always, looked quite solid around the corners. However, as he arrived around the tricky turn 7, the rear snapped, leaving his Red Bull spinning backward into the barriers. The car continued to stroll for a while, before coming to a complete standstill.

The spin had nothing to do with his previous corners, as Verstappen kept his car well within the limits, and the tires were warm enough. Hence, the only possible explanation is the wind factor that may have triggered his car to lose control.

“Ah, it’s finished. Suddenly lost the rear,” a dejected Verstappen told his race engineer.

Is Verstappen likely to suffer grid penalty?

After what has been an expensive race at Silverstone and Hungaroring, coming into Spa, Red Bull would have hoped that their drivers kept the cars in one piece. But, to their woes, the misery struck in as early as FP2. What’s worse, it’s Verstappen, the title contender, who ended up in the barriers.

The Dutchman is already into his 3rd power unit, coming into the Belgian Grand Prix. Hence, a grid penalty was always impending for Verstappen. Now, the crash at Spa may have worsened Red Bull’s situation.

It was a hefty collision for Verstappen, and the major concern is that most of the contact happened around the back of the car. There is visible suspension damage to the rear-left, and the engine may have taken a significant blow as well.

Following the crash, a concerned Verstappen was busy walking around the car, checking for damages. Up until the car arrives in the garage, it is going to be an intense period of time for the entire Red Bull outfit. So, how far is this crash going to cost the Dutchman and his championship hopes?

Watch Story: Mad Max: Verstappen’s Angriest Rants on Team Radio