Max Verstappen At Risk Of Brazilian GP Penalty After Chaotic

Max Verstappen At Risk Of Brazilian GP Penalty After Chaotic Mexico Race…read more

Max Verstappen, the Red Bull F1 driver and current championship leader, is facing potential challenges at the upcoming Brazilian Grand Prix due to engine issues that arose during the chaotic Mexican GP. The possibility of a grid penalty looms if a power unit change is deemed necessary, raising concerns about his car’s performance as the season nears its conclusion.

During the Mexican race, Verstappen experienced significant engine troubles that severely impacted his performance. The team had to replace his power unit ahead of the weekend, as the original engine struggled to deliver the required performance levels. Although the substitute engine was sourced from Red Bull’s pool, it was already showing signs of high mileage, which likely contributed to the performance drop. The RB20 car has been under scrutiny, especially in light of increasing competition from Ferrari and McLaren, both of which have been performing strongly.

With only four races remaining in the season, Red Bull is contemplating the strategic option of introducing a new power unit in Brazil, even if it results in a grid penalty. The Interlagos circuit is known for its overtaking opportunities, which could mitigate the impact of starting further down the grid. Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, acknowledged the team’s challenges, indicating that tire performance was also lacking, saying, “More alarming is that we couldn’t make the tyres work—both medium and hard. We were nowhere near the two front teams.”

Marko further explained that the engine in Verstappen’s car was not intended for racing, suggesting that its age and usage were affecting its performance, particularly on the straights where they were down on speed by as much as eight kilometers per hour compared to competitors. He noted the likelihood of a five-place grid penalty, but emphasized that this wouldn’t be too detrimental in Brazil, where overtaking is feasible.

As it stands, Verstappen leads the Drivers’ Championship with 362 points, but the competition is tightening. Lando Norris from McLaren is in second place with 315 points, followed closely by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc with 291 points. Oscar Piastri and Carlos Sainz are also in the mix, further intensifying the pressure on Verstappen as he looks to maintain his lead.

Red Bull’s situation is compounded by their recent performance, which has seen them drop to third place in the Constructors’ Championship. The emergence of McLaren and Ferrari as formidable challengers means that Red Bull must adapt quickly to avoid losing ground in both championships.

In summary, while Max Verstappen holds a solid lead in the Drivers’ Championship, his team faces significant hurdles ahead of the Brazilian GP. The potential engine change, combined with ongoing performance issues, adds layers of complexity to the upcoming races. The team’s decision on whether to take a grid penalty could be pivotal in determining Verstappen’s chances of securing his title amidst fierce competition. As the season draws to a close, every race becomes crucial for both Verstappen and Red Bull in their quest for success.