Max Verstappen of Red Bull alongside Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will face grid penalties at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix due to engine component changes.
Engine Penalties at Interlagos
Verstappen is set to begin the race from the back of the grid, while both Hamilton and Leclerc will incur 10-place penalties. These drivers join Mercedes competitor George Russell, who received a five-place drop for the same reason of exceeding the allowed number of engine parts.
Red Bull identified issues following Friday practice, prompting the installation of a completely new engine for Verstappen. Meanwhile, Leclerc, Hamilton, and Russell have each equipped new internal combustion engines.
The penalty for the Ferrari drivers is larger than Russell’s because this marks the first time they have surpassed the seasonal limit of four engines, whereas Russell had already breached that threshold previously. Verstappen previously secured a memorable victory at the 2024 Sao Paulo Grand Prix by charging from 17th position on the grid following a wet race engine penalty.
Current weather forecasts indicate overnight rain from Saturday into Sunday, with predictions suggesting precipitation could occur at any stage on race day.
Contract Extension for Interlagos
Alongside the on-track penalty news, Formula 1 announced that the Interlagos circuit in Sao Paulo has signed a contract extension to remain on the grand prix calendar until 2035.
F1 president and chief executive officer Stefano Domenicali said: “Brazil is an important part of F1’s history and our future, and I am delighted that this five-year extension will see us continue racing in Sao Paulo until 2035.”
He added that the energy from local supporters is remarkable and that the venue holds a significant position on the racing schedule.
