P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Red Bull CHANGE Verstappen’s engine moments before Qatar GP
Red Bull has decided to swap Max Verstappen’s engine in his RB21 right before the Qatar Grand Prix at 4pm UK time to keep his championship hopes alive.
Verstappen changed his power unit strategically to avoid penalties and must now finish ahead of Lando Norris in Sunday’s crucial race.
The team switched Verstappen to an older power unit spec without incurring a penalty, allowing him to start third on the grid.
The decision hints at potential reliability issues, which could affect Verstappen’s performance during the race.
Verstappen faces a tough challenge to win the world championship, needing a strong finish in Qatar to stay competitive.
Despite a challenging weekend in Qatar, Verstappen remains focused on maximizing his opportunities in the race to keep his title hopes alive.
