Verstappen to avoid gearbox penalty!

Christian Horner has confirmed that Max Verstappen will avoid a penalty after he had to stop on the start finish straight during FP1 with a gearbox issue.

The Red Bull boss told Italian news outlet Autosprint that Verstappen’s dodgy gearbox was not the one he was planning to use in the race, thus avoiding the penalty.

If the Dutchman’s race gearbox had failed, Verstappen would have been subject to a five-place grid penalty, which would have put potential continuation of his excellent form in jeopardy.

Verstappen has finished on the podium in each of the previous three races, with third in Canada, followed by second in France and his first victory of the season last time out in Austria.

This comes after the 20-year old has faced widespread criticism over his driving style during the season, having been involved in his fair share of incidents.

Verstappen ended FP1 in sixth place, two tenths behind teammate Daniel Ricciardo, who was fourth.