“Something broke on the car” – Red Bull’s Max Verstappen crashes out of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, ending his Italian nightmare this season.
Max Verstappen was looking good for yet another podium for Red Bull this weekend at Imola. He started the race well, overtaking Lewis Hamilton to take the second position behind Valtteri Bottas. After the latter pitted and joined the track ahead of Max Verstappen, he raced him hard, and eventually, after a mistake by Bottas, Verstappen overtook him.
Max Verstappen is out! “something broke on the car” #F1 #ImolaGP pic.twitter.com/ajAOZ9vOdO
— Speed City Broadcasting 🏁 (@Speedcaster) November 1, 2020
He exclaimed happily on the Red Bull team radio straight after, but the joy was short-lived. A puncture with the right-rear tyre led to him spinning and losing the tyre completely. Verstappen felt it was a car problem instead and relayed this info on the team radio:
“Something broke on the car”
Max Verstappen in Italy this year:
Monza: Retired
Mugello: Retired
Imola: Retired #F1 #ImolaGP— Phillip Horton (@PHortonF1) November 1, 2020
Team Principal Christian Horner confirmed to the Sky F1 crew later that it was indeed a tyre puncture. He still has Alex Albon on the track, who doesn’t look good to be among the points today. Unfortunately for him, that could mean not retain the 2021 seat, with Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg waiting in the wings.
Mercedes to win Constructors Championship today
With Max Verstappen out and Alex Albon out of the points, it is a mere formality for Mercedes to be crowned as the 2020 Constructor Championship today. Both Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas have survived the race, and have taken the maximum points, with Lewis winning and taking the bonus point, while Bottas finishing second.
Five drivers could not finish the race – Pierre Gasly, Esteban Ocon, Kevin Magnussen, Verstappen and George Russell. Russell was visibly disappointed as he looked good for points, but it was not to be. Alfa Romeo is the team of the day, with both drivers among the points for the Italian team.
