Honda has confirmed that it will run the power unit involved in Max Verstappen’s Silverstone crash during opening practice in Hungary on Friday.
Red Bull driver Verstappen suffered a 51g impact at the start of the British Grand Prix after clashing with Lewis Hamilton through Copse corner.
Formula 1 power units are made up of six components and drivers are restricted on how many they can use through a season.
They are permitted three engines, three MGU-Hs, three turbochargers, three MGU-Ks, two energy stores and two control electronics.
If this allocation is exceeded a driver faces a 10-place grid penalty for the first change, followed by other demotions if further parts are installed.
At the British Grand Prix Verstappen was on his second of the components for which three are permitted, and first of the components for which two are allowed.
The newer components were installed at the French Grand Prix, in late June, and consequently were firmly within their anticipated life cycle.
The power unit was transported to Honda’s facility in Japan and a thorough analysis was undertaken.
Honda has now given the power unit the green light to be run during opening practice at the Hungaroring, after which a full analysis will be carried out to determine whether it is fit for purpose in race trim, as it seeks to avoid penalties later in 2021.
“The PU was sent back to Sakura for thorough checks,” Honda said in a statement.
“We also replaced certain parts, as allowed in the regulations, without breaking the FIA seals.
“We will use the engine this Friday to give it a proper track test, after which we should have a clearer picture of its viability as a race engine.”
Verstappen claimed his maiden pole position at the Hungaroring in 2019 and has finished runner-up to Hamilton in both the 2019 and 2020 races.
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