Verstappen handed grid penalty for sporting infringement

Reigning world champion Max Verstappen will serve a five-place grid penalty at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix after Red Bull elected to equip his RB20 with a fresh internal combustion engine.

The sport’s governing body, the FIA has confirmed that Red Bull has equipped Verstappen’s RB20 with a fresh internal combustion engine and exhaust system.

The Dutchman has used seven exhaust systems so far, which means that the latest change will put him on his eighth unit in 2024. However, with every driver having an allocation of eight exhaust systems for the season, Verstappen finds himself still within the limit.

During the 2024 F1 season, drivers are permitted to use only four internal combustion engines. Verstappen has already exceeded this allocation in Belgium, where he served a 10-place grid penalty. His latest change will see Verstappen receive his sixth ICE for the season, and with this being his second infringement, the consequence is a five-place drop.

Confirming the change, 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.”