“This cannot happen!” – Verstappen blasts latest technical failure

Max Verstappen admits he is becoming de-motivated by the persistent technical issues he is continuing to suffer in 2017 after his Belgian Grand Prix came to an abrupt end after just eight laps.

Having shown promising pace in the Red Bull Racing RB13 during practice and qualifying, despite a power deficit to Ferrari and Mercedes, Verstappen was running fifth early on behind the leaders when he suffered a failure on his Renault power unit.

His fourth technical related DNF of the season – and his sixth in 12 races -, Verstappen could not hide his frustration at the persistent issues, not least because it happened at his ‘adopted home’ race in front of a massive crowd of Dutch supporters.

“Frustrated, disappointed, and really not happy. For a top team, this cannot happen. In the beginning you can say it’s bad luck, those things happen but if it’s happening again and for the sixth time this year you can’t call it bad luck anymore.”

“[I’m sorry] Especially for the fans, they buy very expensive tickets to come and watch the race and then after eight laps it’s finished.

“It’s very de-motivating because the whole weekend you are working very hard, you have a great qualifying and are looking forward to the race but then again you retire after eight laps. I don’t know what to say, it’s been a very tough year.”

The latest failure leaves Verstappen well down on his team-mate Daniel Ricciardo in the overall standings having amassed on 67 points to his counterparts 132 points.