Verstappen changes chassis ahead of final Australian GP practice

Red Bull mechanics have been busy ahead of final practice for the Australian Grand Prix after the team opted to change Max Verstappen’s chassis.

Verstappen was the quickest non-Mercedes driver in Friday practice, the Dutchman finishing third behind Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, eight-tenths off the ultimate pace.

On Saturday, the FIA revealed Red Bull had completed a scrutineering declaration – as part of the rules for this year which involves the team having the freedom to self-scrutineer – which confirmed they had changed the survival cell.

A Red Bull spokesperson told Formula1.com it was a “precautionary change due to a concern with the fuel cell”.

Verstappen’s RB15 is expected to be ready for final practice and qualifying later on Saturday.