Max Verstappen, the current Formula 1 championship leader, is set to face a grid penalty at the upcoming Brazilian Grand Prix.
Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko has confirmed that Verstappen will need a new power unit for the race in Interlagos, triggering an automatic grid drop.
This setback comes on the heels of engine issues that plagued the Dutch-Belgian driver during the recent Mexico City Grand Prix.
The penalty could potentially benefit Verstappen’s rival, Lando Norris, who currently trails by 47 points in the championship standings.
The engine issues stemmed from a leak in the intake tract during Friday practice in Mexico.
This forced Red Bull to fit an older power unit that had reached the end of its lifecycle, resulting in a significant loss of performance.
Lando Norris has received a major boost in his battle with Max Verstappen
Reuters
Marko explained to Speedweek: “The pace was also not right because the engine problem meant that a different engine had to be installed, which had reached the end of its life and was actually no longer planned for racing.”
As a consequence, Verstappen’s car was “one of the slowest cars on the straights” during the Mexican Grand Prix.
The team is now compelled to change the engine in Brazil, accepting the corresponding penalty.
Verstappen’s struggles in Mexico extended beyond engine issues. He received two 10-second penalties for separate incidents with Norris, ultimately finishing sixth in the race.
This disappointing result saw him score only eight points, while Norris claimed second place and 18 points.
The reigning champion’s performance was further hampered by tyre management problems.
Marko noted: “We had the fifth-fastest car behind the two Ferraris and the McLaren.
“On the medium Pirelli we were still halfway there, but with both compounds, the tyre wear was worse than that of our competitors.”
The grid penalty in Brazil could significantly impact the championship battle. With four races remaining, including two sprint weekends, there are still 116 points available.
Lando Norris is trying to chase down Max Verstappen
Reuters
Verstappen’s lead of 47 points over Norris may seem comfortable, but a poor result in Brazil could tighten the race.
The Interlagos circuit is known for its overtaking opportunities, which could mitigate the impact of Verstappen’s penalty.
Max Verstappen still has a comfortable lead over Lando Norris
Reuters
However, Norris will undoubtedly see this as a chance to close the gap.
The upcoming sprint format in Brazil adds another layer of complexity, potentially offering more points and opportunities for both drivers to gain or lose ground.