The FIA has confirmed Max Verstappen will take a five-place grid penalty on the Sao Paulo Grand Prix for exceeding energy unit parts.
Purple Bull had been analyzing when could be greatest to suit a brand new inside combustion engine (ICE) following points in Mexico Metropolis, and chosen Interlagos for numerous causes. One is the flexibility to make use of the brand new energy unit within the Dash — and probably choosing up additional factors — previous to the penalty kicking in, in addition to the flexibility to overhaul on the Brazilian circuit in comparison with the remaining tracks on the calendar.
The ICE that Verstappen is utilizing is his sixth of the season, having beforehand taken a penalty on the Belgian Grand Prix earlier than the summer season break. On that event, because it was his first time exceeding the restrict, it carried a 10-place grid penalty, however every subsequent infringement is a five-place drop.
The penalty solely applies to Sunday’s grand prix, so the place Verstappen begins the Dash on Saturday will probably be unaffected by the change.
Verstappen enters the Sao Paulo Grand Prix weekend with a 47-point benefit over Lando Norris within the drivers’ championship, having seen that deficit minimize by 10 factors in Mexico Metropolis final weekend.
