Red Bull confirms: transmission issue with Max's car

Red Bull Racing have confirmed to GPblog in an initial reaction that Max Verstappen's stoppage was caused by gearbox problems. The next hour will show the extent of the damage and whether it is repairable or not.

A spokesman for the Austrian formation said: "It’s a transmission issue with Max’s car. We are getting him out of the car and ensuring he doesnt drive any more as a precautionary measure to not damage car further."

Verstappen could have driven to the pit lane under his own power, but Red Bull didn't want to take any risks.

It is unclear which gearbox Verstappen was using on his way to Circuit Zandvoort. It is common practice to drive with 'old' gearboxes in the first free practice sessions, but these will not be used in qualifying and races for the rest of the season. In that case the issue is not so bad for Verstappen, the worries are greater when it concerns a relatively new gearbox.

In collaboration with GPblog journalist Gandor Bronkhorst