Red Bull decided on engine change for Verstappen before FP1: "That played a role"

Red Bull Racing probably couldn't have chosen a better time to perform the engine change that Max Verstappen is facing. With a three-place grid penalty and expected rain on Saturday and Sunday, the pain might not be so bad for the championship leader.

"Of course it looks a bit boring, but there are a lot of ninety degree corners, and you have to make the best of that. So farthis weekend I've enjoyed driving here more than in previous years, purely because of the grip actually," he explained during Formula 1 Café on Ziggo Sport.

According to the Dutchman, Red Bull Racing did not base the decision to replace his engine on the first free practice session. "We had already decided before VT1 that we were going to change the engine," says Verstappen. However, the weather forecast did have some influence on it, he admits.

"Yes, absolutely. But also the circuit itself, compared to the upcoming races I think we can overtake here. In addition, the tyre wear is a bit lower here, which is why we chose to do it here." In qualifying, according to the Red Bull driver, not too much effort needs to be put in. "Obviously you don't want to get into Q3, because then you can't choose your tyres either," Verstappen looks ahead.