After Max Verstappen had engine issues during Free Practice 1 and 2 at the Mexican Grand Prix, it became apparent that it was a bigger issue. During the race, Verstappen’s RB20 struggled with race pace and power. Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s senior advisor, has given his opinion on what he thinks should be done. With the Brazilian Grand Prix this weekend, time is running out for Verstappen and his engine.
If Verstappen uses a new engine, he will receive a grid penalty. As only four races are left in the 2024 season, the decision to take a grid penalty will be heavy. However, Red Bull recently slipped into third place in the World Constructors’ Championship and they need every point they can get. Will the new engine be worth all the trouble of a grid penalty?
Why is Max Verstappen taking a grid penalty at Brazil?
Helmut Marko has revealed the issue with Max Verstappen’s engine from the Mexican GP. He wrote that it was a “leak in the engine’s intake tract” and that “the lack of driving time is partly the reason why we were not competitive in the race”.
Verstappen needs to receive a new engine if he wants to continue to fight for the World Drivers’ Championship. Last week, Lando Norris placed 3rd compared to Verstappen’s 6th. In a championship battle that keeps getting tighter and tighter; every point counts.
“The start was good, but after that there was no pace” – @Max33Verstappen
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) October 27, 2024
A grid penalty will happen at the Brazilian GP as Verstappen’s engine needs to be replaced. Another reason that Verstappen will need to take a new engine is because of the mileage the current engine has reached.
Marko has deemed Verstappen’s engine as at “the end of its life and [is] no longer planned for racing“. Marko also says “We cannot avoid changing the engine in Brazil, with the corresponding penalty” (Speedweek).
Is the grid penalty for the sprint or the feature race?
All power unit grid penalties are to be served during the feature races. This means that if Max Verstappen changes his engine, he will start five positions down from where he qualifies. This follows the same layout of a normal race weekend with all penalties to be served during the main race. The only expectation is the penalties received at the Sprint Shootout will be served during the Sprint only.
Rounding off the triple header with an iconic race 🤩
Over to you, Interlagos! 🇧🇷#F1 #BrazilGP pic.twitter.com/iqdlqStyLI
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 30, 2024
With the Brazilian GP a sprint weekend, Verstappen has the chance to qualify for 1st place for the sprint and keep that position. He has won all of the sprints this season so far. However, Verstappen needs to be careful during all sessions as he will already have at least a 5-position grid penalty for the feature race. While Verstappen is good at making positions up, he needs to work hard to ensure he qualifies and remains in the top 5 for Sunday’s race.
Who will come out on top this week? Norris or Verstappen?
