The Japanese manufacturer confirmed Verstappen had swi😼tched back to a previous engine following qualifying after it “noticed something on Max’s PU which might have developed over the course of the weekend”.

Despite Verstappen’s high-speed, 51G crash at the British Grand 🔯Prix, Honda had originally given Red Bull the green light to continue using the power unit after running it successfully during Friday practice.

But a U-turn was made after Honda discovered that a potential issue could devel𒐪op, which it cited as being a likely “afܫter-effect” of his huge accident at Silverstone.

Verstappen has not occurred a penalty ꦕfor the change and will subsequently line-up third 𒉰on the grid for Sunday’s race.

“Duri🤪ng post-qualifying checks we noticed something on Max’s PU which might have developed over the course of the weekend, likely to be an after-ꦫeffect of the Silverstone crash,” a Honda statement read.

“We have therefore changed it for a new PU of the 🌱same specification. According to the regulations, Max is allowed to start from his third position on the grid with no penalty incurred.”