FIA confirms Max Verstappen’s fine for Brazilian Grand Prix

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen has been penalized by five places on the grid for the upcoming Brazilian Grand Prix, the FIA ​​has confirmed. Formula 1 has announced that Verstappen will be penalized by five places on the grid due to the installation of a new internal combustion engine.

The decision to replace the engine follows weeks of uncertainty over the state of Verstappen’s Honda power unit. After earlier technical difficulties that required new parts, the team decided to introduce a new internal combustion engine.

Earlier this season, the Dutch driver already faced a penalty for 10th on the grid at the Belgian Grand Prix. However, Red Bull’s commitment to replacing only the internal combustion engine, while keeping other components intact, kept the fine to a minimum.

With only a few rounds remaining until the 2024 season, each race is of great importance to the drivers and constructors. Red Bull currently sits third, 25 points behind Ferrari in the Constructors’ Championship.

The FIA ​​confirmed the fine in an official letter, which stated:

“The following element of the power unit was used: the 6th internal combustion engine (ICE).

“Violation: Violation of Article 28.2 of the FIA ​​Formula 1 Sporting Regulations.

“Solution: Penalty for 5th place in the race.

“Cause: The penalty is imposed in accordance with Article 42.3(d).
The use of each additional element in this case entails a penalty of 5 places (see article 28.3).
Competitors are reminded that they have the right to appeal certain stewards’ decisions in accordance with Article 15 of the FIA ​​International Sporting Code and Chapter 4 of the FIA ​​Judicial and Disciplinary Rules within the applicable time limits.

“The decisions of the stewards are made independently of the FIA ​​and are based solely on the relevant rules, guidelines and evidence presented.”

Verstappen currently holds first place in the Drivers’ Championship. However, he has faced intense pressure in recent weeks from McLaren’s Lando Norris and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.

1. Max Verstappen – 362 points
2. Lando Norris – 315 points
3. Charles Leclerc – 291 points
4. Oscar Piastri – 251 points
5. Carlos Sainz – 240 points
6. Lewis Hamilton – 189 points
7. George Russell – 177 points
8. Sergio Perez – 150 points
9. Fernando Alonso – 62 points
10. Nico Hulkenberg – 31 points
11. Lance Stroll – 24 points
12. Yuki Tsunoda – 22 points
13. Kevin Magnussen – 14 points
14. Alex Albon – 12 points
15. Daniel Ricciardo – 12 points
16. Pierre Gasly – 9 points
17. Oliver Birman – 7 points
18. Franco Colapinto – 5 points
19. Esteban Ocon – 5 points
20. Liam Lawson – 2 points
21. Zhou Guanyu – 0 points
22. Logan Sargeant – 0 points
23. Valtteri Bottas – 0 points