Max Verstappen Among Six F1 Drivers Nearing Grid Penalty Threshold for Engine Components

Six Formula 1 drivers, including Max Verstappen, are at heightened risk of future grid penalties after installing crucial engine components ahead of the Italian Grand Prix. These changes push them to the limit of their season's allocation.

Why it matters

Engine component limits are a critical factor in championship battles. Each driver is allowed a specific number of components for the season. Exceeding this limit results in grid penalties, which can significantly impact race outcomes and a driver's standing.

The details

• Drivers affected: Max Verstappen, Pierre Gasly, Esteban Ocon, Alex Albon, Nico Hülkenberg, and Gabriel Bortoleto.
• Component changes: During first practice at Monza, the FIA confirmed that all six drivers received their final 'free' internal combustion engine (ICE), turbocharger (TC), and motor generator unit-heat (MGU-H).
• Additional MGU-K changes: All drivers except Gasly also installed their final 'free' motor generator-unit kinetic (MGU-K).
• Penalty rule: Drivers are permitted four units of each component. A fifth unit triggers a grid penalty. These recent changes mean the drivers are now on their fourth unit, leaving no room for further 'free' replacements.
• Exhaust system: Verstappen moved onto his penultimate exhaust system (from a pool of eight), while Gasly, Ocon, Hülkenberg, and Bortoleto also received new exhaust systems.
• Monza's impact: Component changes are common at the Italian GP due to the Monza circuit's high-speed nature, which involves prolonged periods at full throttle, putting significant strain on power unit elements.

What's next

Teams and drivers must now meticulously manage their remaining component usage for the rest of the season. Any additional power unit changes for these drivers will inevitably lead to costly grid penalties, potentially affecting their championship aspirations.