Max Verstappen is set to face a five-place grid drop at the upcoming Sao Paulo Grand Prix after Red Bull elected to change his power unit for the sixth time this season
After the Dutchman struggled for pace last time out in Mexico, he will be hoping to take a step forward and close the gap to rivals Ferrari and McLaren with a new internal combustion engine (ICE) this weekend.
With just four rounds remaining, the Brazilian circuit could offer the best overtaking opportunities to limit the damage brought about by the grid penalty, which will only affect the Grand Prix as opposed to the Sprint.
Each season, drivers are permitted to use four internal combustion engines – Verstappen exceeded this allocation previously in Belgium, where he served a 10-place grid penalty. As this is his second infringement, the consequence is a five-place drop.
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.”
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