Max Verstappen will face a five-place grid penalty at the upcoming Sao Paulo Grand Prix after Red Bull decided to change his power unit for the sixth time this season. Following a disappointing performance in Mexico, the Dutch driver is eager to improve and close the gap to rivals Ferrari and McLaren with the introduction of a new internal combustion engine (ICE). With only four races left in the season, the Brazilian circuit is expected to provide ample overtaking opportunities, which could help mitigate the impact of the grid penalty, applicable only for the Grand Prix and not for the Sprint.
Drivers are allowed to use up to four internal combustion engines per season, and Verstappen previously exceeded this limit at the Belgian Grand Prix, resulting in a 10-place penalty. This time, as this is his second violation, he faces a five-place drop.
According to a document released by the FIA, Verstappen's new engine will be his sixth out of the allowed four for the 2024 season, violating Article 28.2 of the Formula One Sporting Regulations. However, he will not incur a penalty for using a new exhaust system since he is still within the allocation of eight. Additionally, Verstappen's Red Bull teammate, Sergio Perez, will debut a new chassis this weekend as the team aims to reclaim second place in the constructors' standings, currently trailing Ferrari by 25 points.
Before the penalty takes effect in the Grand Prix, Verstappen has a chance to extend his record of winning every Sprint in 2024, which could help him increase his lead over Lando Norris in the drivers' championship.
Red Bull will prioritize addressing their inconsistent pace this weekend, particularly with McLaren bringing further upgrades to their rear wing in pursuit of their first constructors' title since 1998.A document published by the FIA also confirmed that the reigning world champion will use a new exhaust system, but will not incur a penalty for this as he is still within the allocation of eight.
The FIA stated:
"The internal combustion engine used by Max Verstappen will be the sixth (6th) of the four (4) new internal combustion engines allowed for the 2024 Championship season and this is not in conformity with Article 28.2 of the 2024 Formula One Sporting Regulations."
Drivers Championship Standing after Mexico City Grand Prix
1. Max Verstappen - Red Bull Racing: 362 points
2. Lando Norris - McLaren Racing: 315 points
3. Charles Leclerc - Scuderia Ferrari: 291 points
4. Oscar Piastri - McLaren Racing: 251 points
5. Carlos Sainz - Scuderia Ferrari: 240 points
6. Lewis Hamilton - Mercedes AMG F1: 189 points
7. George Russell - Mercedes AMG F1: 177 points
8. Sergio Pérez - Red Bull Racing: 150 points
9. Fernando Alonso - Aston Martin F1 Team: 62 points
10. Nico Hülkenberg - Haas F1: 31 points
Constructor Championship Standings
1. McLaren - 566 points
2. Ferrari - 537 points
3. Red Bull Racing - 512 points
4. Mercedes - 366 points
5. Aston Martin - 86 points
6. Haas - 48 points
7. VCARB - 38 points
8. Williams - 17 points
9. Alpine - 14 points
10. Sauber - 0 points
