Verstappen's FP2 mishap damages Red Bull's RB22
Summary
During FP2 at GP, Max Verstappen ran wide at Turn 12, sending his RB22 across the gravel and tearing the floor and under‑tray. The damage may require repairs and threaten Red Bull’s qualifying pace.
Max Verstappen’s FP2 run at Albert Park turned into a near‑disaster when his RB22 slid off Turn 12, bounced over the gravel and damaged the floor, likely needing a costly repair before qualifying. The car had earlier returned to the pits for an unrelated issue before the off‑track incident. After a solid FP1 third‑place, Verstappen was only sixth fastest in FP2, leaving Red Bull a narrow window to fix the car.
Why it matters:
- Downforce loss from floor damage can drop Red Bull off the front row, jeopardising its championship defence.
- Floor damage also disrupts cooling, risking engine temperature spikes on Melbourne’s high‑speed straights.
The details:
- Turn 12 exit: the RB22 ran wide, hit the gravel edge and lifted, shedding floor and under‑tray pieces.
- Damage: cracks and missing floor sections; the under‑tray appears partially detached. Parts needed are not yet confirmed.
- Timeline: engineers have until the evening session to assess and replace parts; a full rebuild could spill into race‑day prep.
What's next:
- Red Bull will inspect overnight and likely replace the floor and under‑tray before qualifying.
- Verstappen will start qualifying on a repaired chassis; any aero loss could affect his grid position.
Original Article :https://racingnews365.com/max-verstappen-damages-red-bull-in-scary-moment