Max Verstappen is set to receive 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 performance setback in Mexico, the Dutch driver will be looking to improve and narrow the gap to his competitors from Ferrari and McLaren with a new internal combustion engine (ICE) this weekend.
With only four races left in the season, the Brazilian circuit may provide ample overtaking opportunities to mitigate the impact of the grid penalty, which will only apply to the Grand Prix and not the Sprint race.
Drivers are allowed to use four internal combustion engines each season, but Verstappen surpassed this limit earlier in Belgium, where he incurred a 10-place grid penalty. This time, as this is his second infraction, he faces a five-place drop.
An FIA document confirmed that Verstappen will also be using a new exhaust system, but this will not result in a penalty since he remains within the allocation of eight exhausts.
The FIA noted: “The internal combustion engine used by Max Verstappen will be the sixth of the four 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.”
Additionally, his Red Bull teammate, Sergio Perez, will race with a new chassis this weekend as the team aims to reclaim second place in the constructors’ standings, currently trailing Ferrari by 25 points.
Verstappen will have an opportunity to extend his record of winning every Sprint in 2024 before the penalty takes effect in the Grand Prix, which could help him increase his lead over Lando Norris in the drivers’ championship.
Addressing their inconsistent pace will be a key focus for Red Bull this weekend, especially as McLaren introduces further upgrades to their rear wing in pursuit of their first constructors’ title since 1998.
