Red Bull has confirmed the use of a sixth engine this season for Max Verstappen. The Dutchman will therefore face a 5-place grid penalty for Sunday’s race in São Paulo, Brazil.
The news had been anticipated, but the confirmation arrived this afternoon: Max Verstappen has opted to install a new engine, exceeding the number of power units allowed by regulations for the season.
Max Verstappen has now used the sixth Honda V6 unit, which means he will automatically receive a 5-place grid penalty for Sunday’s race (but not for the Sprint Race, which will take place tomorrow afternoon).
This marks Max Verstappen’s second such penalty; at Spa-Francorchamps, he used his fifth power unit, already incurring a grid penalty in Belgium.
The uphill challenge for Max Verstappen’s weekend in Brazil stems from thermal engine issues experienced during last weekend’s race in Mexico City. This forced Red Bull to use another engine, meaning the three-time Formula 1 world champion, at best, will start from sixth place on Sunday’s grid. This afternoon, Sprint Qualifying will take place, which will determine the grid for tomorrow’s Sprint Race. The Dutchman, however, can start from his qualifying position this evening.
Helmut Marko had previously hinted at Red Bull’s decision: “The engine installed at Spa is no longer usable in races, and as engines age, performance declines. We lose approximately 3 to 8 km/h on the straights.”
Red Bull chose Interlagos’s Carlos Pace track as the best circuit for a 5-place penalty due to the numerous overtaking opportunities. The remaining three tracks won’t offer the same chances to regain positions. And Max is competing for the title with Lando Norris…
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