P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen has been handed a five-place grid penalty for Sunday’s Formula 1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix after Red Bull exceeded his engine allocation once again.
During the Belgian GP at Spa-Francorchamps this summer, Verstappen received a 10-place grid penalty for exceeding his allotted engine units. Following issues in Mexico City, Red Bull decided to introduce a new Internal Combustion Engine and exhaust system, resulting in a five-place grid drop for the upcoming Interlagos GP. Verstappen’s current exhaust system usage is at eight, the maximum allowed for the year without penalty. Despite the penalty, his starting position for Saturday’s Sprint race won’t be affected. Looking at the situation, Red Bull Advisor Helmut Marko stated that changing the engine in Brazil was inevitable. Verstappen, who currently leads the F1 Drivers’ title race, acknowledged the uncertainty of benefits in taking such penalties at specific tracks like Interlagos.
