Lance Stroll’s hefty accident at Mugello has left Racing Point facing a challenge to prepare its sizeable update package for both cars in time for Formula 1’s Russian Grand Prix.
Racing Point brought its first major update to its Mercedes-inspired RP20 at the Tuscan Grand Prix, with only Stroll running the package.
The overhauled components included an overhauled sidepod shape, revised brake ducts, a new floor and a re-shaped front wing.
Racing Point estimated that the update was worth at least a couple of tenths per lap around Mugello.
Stroll was in the battle for the podium positions when he suffered a suspected puncture, thought to have come from debris, into Arrabbiata 2.
The Canadian was sent across the gravel and had a hefty impact with the barriers, causing substantial damage to the RP20.
“We’re going to have to do a lot of work to get enough parts together for both of them to have the upgrade in Russia,” Szafnauer told Sky Sports F1.
“Initially Lance thought it was a puncture, that’s what he reported to us. We immediately looked at the tyre pressure, for sure the tyre pressure was at zero, but that was after he had already hit the barrier, not before.
“We’ve got to find out what it was. It may have been a piece of carbon debris that got into his left rear, caused the puncture and then the spin.”
Racing Point maintained fourth position in the Constructors’ Championship, courtesy of fifth for Sergio Perez, and reduced the gap to McLaren to 14 points.
Russia’s Grand Prix, at the Sochi Autodrom, is scheduled for next weekend.
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