One more thorn in Max Verstappen’s side. Already penalized by 20 seconds during the Mexican Grand Prix for errors on track in his fight with Lando Norris, the three-time reigning world champion was awarded a new penalty for the next Brazilian Formula 1 Grand Prix, before even the departure this Sunday. The Dutchman will start with five penalty places on the grid.
The reason: the installation of a new internal combustion engine on his car, which has already exhausted the authorized quota of four changes over the season. Red Bull has chosen not to touch the other parts of the propeller, a priori unscathed, to avoid a greater penalty (10 places, or even a start at the back of the grid).
The Austrian team and its driver did not make this choice in Sao Paulo by chance. “I think this could be the right avenue to take the penalty,” warned “Super Max” at a press conference this Thursday.
In addition to a new track suit which raises some questions, and a unpredictable weather forecast for the end of the weekend, Interlagos is one of the best circuits for making ascents. In 2021 during the sprint race, Lewis Hamilton, then in the middle of a battle for the title with this same Verstappen, made 15 overtakes in 24 laps thanks to the immense DRS zone on the starting straight.
Enough to give some ideas when the Dutchman needs them most. With 47 points behind, Norris is still lurking and a failed GP from Verstappen could further narrow the gap at the top of the World Championship.
