Was Verstappen driving with a new or old gearbox? This is what Marko says

Research this afternoon will reveal the exact nature of the problem with Max Verstappen's gearbox. Red Bull Racing has returned the car to the garage and can now start the search for the cause of the problem. Meanwhile, we do not know whether it is an old or new gearbox with which Verstappen drove in the first free practice.

Drivers in FP1 often use an old gearbox that has been used for many kilometres. If the gearbox breaks down, it is not a big disaster because it will not be used in the qualifications and races. If it were a new gearbox in Verstappen's car, there is a chance that the reigning World Champion would be penalised on the grid.

GPblog.com asked Helmut Marko in passing in the paddock at Circuit Zandvoort whether Verstappen was driving with an old or new gearbox, but the Red Bull Racing advisor did not want to give us any clarity on this. To other media, Marko is reported to have said that it was a Friday gearbox. 

Verstappen and his fans need not fear a grid penalty in any case. To Motorsport-Magazin.com Marko said: "Fortunately we increased the gearbox pool in Spa. We don't know what was wrong yet, we need to look at the car further first. But a penalty will not be necessary. On the other hand, we already have some experience of starting from the back," he said.

Christian Horner told the media including GPblog: "We lost drive whilst he [Max] took a shift from fourth to fifth. We need to get the car back to understand that. Hopefully, get it turned around quickly for the next session. Until we know the actual issue...we need to get the car back to understand it."

In collaboration with GPblog journalist Gandor Bronkhorst