Reigning Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen could face a grid penalty for an engine change ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix. This comes as Red Bull Racing expresses concerns over the straight-line speed of his car. The issue was highlighted at the recent Mexican Grand Prix, where an unexpected engine change was required due to Friday practice problems. While the replacement engine avoided further mechanical failures, its high mileage significantly impacted performance. This was evident in the speed trap data, where Verstappen was notably slower than his teammate Sergio Perez. Verstappen's race was further hindered by two 10-second penalties for incidents with Lando Norris of McLaren. The Dutchman finished a disappointing sixth, his lowest result of the season. Norris' second-place finish reduced Verstappen's championship lead to 47 points with four races remaining. Despite his 10-race winless streak, Verstappen still holds a significant advantage in the championship. His last victory came at the Spanish Grand Prix on June 23, 2023.
F1: Drivers Championship Fight
With Max Verstappen's expected grid penalty at the Brazilian Grand Prix, this news has significantly improved the chances of Lando Norris and McLaren to secure a strong result. Verstappen has already served a 10-place grid penalty earlier this season at the Belgian Grand Prix. Despite starting from the back of the grid, he managed to finish fourth, showcasing his incredible driving skills.
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While Verstappen's potential penalty will be a major development, it's important to note that it will only affect the main race. His qualifying position for the sprint race will remain unchanged. Norris, on the other hand, is also facing potential engine component penalties as he approaches the end of the season. However, Verstappen's penalty could provide a golden opportunity for McLaren to capitalise on.
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