Red Bull driver Max Verstappen has been handed a five-place grid penalty for the upcoming Brazilian Grand Prix, as confirmed by the FIA. Formula 1’s governing body has announced that Verstappen will face a five-place grid penalty due to the installation of a new internal combustion engine.

The decision to replace the engine follows weeks of uncertainty over the condition of Verstappen’s Honda powerplant. After encountering technical difficulties that required new parts, the team chose to introduce a new internal combustion engine.

Earlier in the season, the Dutch driver had already received a 10-place grid penalty during the Belgian Grand Prix. However, Red Bull’s willingness to replace only the internal combustion engine, while keeping other components intact, helped minimize the penalty.

With only a few events remaining for the 2024 season, each race carries significant weight for drivers and manufacturers. Red Bull currently occupies third position, 25 points behind Ferrari in the Constructors’ Championship.

The FIA ​​confirmed the sanction in an official letter, stating:

“The following power unit element was used: 6th internal combustion engine (ICE).

“Offense: Violation of article 28.2 of the FIA ​​Formula 1 Sporting Regulations.

“Decision: Penalty of 5 places on the grid for the Race.

“Reason: The sanction is imposed in accordance with Article 42.3 (d).
The use of each additional element in this case results in a penalty of 5 places on the grid (ref. Article 28.3).
Competitors are reminded that they have the right to appeal certain decisions of the Stewards, in accordance with Article 15 of the FIA ​​International Sporting Code and Chapter 4 of the FIA ​​Judicial and Disciplinary Regulations, within the deadlines applicable.

“The decisions of the stewards are made independently of the FIA ​​and are based solely on the relevant regulations, guidelines and evidence presented.”

Verstappen currently occupies first place in the drivers’ championship. However, in recent weeks he has come under heavy pressure from McLaren’s Lando Norris and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.

1. Max Verstappen – 362 points
2. Lando Norris – 315 points
3. Charles Leclerc – 291 points
4. Oscar Piastri – 251 points
5. Carlos Sainz – 240 points
6. Lewis Hamilton – 189 points
7. George Russell – 177 points
8. Sergio Pérez – 150 points
9.Fernando Alonso – 62 points
10. Nico Hülkenberg – 31 points
11. Lance Promenade – 24 points
12. Yuki Tsunoda – 22 points
13. Kevin Magnussen – 14 points
14. Alex Albon – 12 points
15. Daniel Ricciardo – 12 points
16. Pierre Gasly – 9 points
17. Oliver Bearman – 7 points
18. Franco Colapinto – 5 points
19. Esteban Ocon – 5 points
20. Liam Lawson – 2 points
21. Zhou Guanyu – 0 points
22. Logan Sargent – ​​0 points
23. Valtteri Bottas – 0 points