Max Verstappen said an engine fault cost him at least 0.5 seconds against his teammate in Baku qualifying; it worsened in Q2 and Q3. Red Bull is investigating; he may use a spare for Saturday’s race without an immediate grid penalty, but expects one later.
Verstappen said the fault involved the internal-combustion engine, not electrical deployment, and described Red Bull Ford’s power unit as “too fragile at times.” He cited similar trouble at Silverstone in July. In Monaco, his car failed to get away at the start; Red Bull later confirmed the retirement was engine-related and fitted a new power unit for Spain.
Red Bull arrived in Baku with its final significant upgrade package of 2026 while still pursuing its first win of the season.
