Max Verstappen is expected to start Formula 1's Brazilian Grand Prix from the back of the grid after Red Bull changed engine components, The Race reports. The outlet credits De Telegraaf's Erik van Haren with first reporting the expected penalty.
Verstappen is set to join George Russell and Lewis Hamilton in taking grid penalties for Sunday's race after engine component changes, according to The Race.
The development follows a Friday practice session in which Verstappen finished third in FP2, the second practice session, and ranked third in the long-run averages. The Race reported that he was highly vocal on the radio about engine and clutch issues.
Red Bull's head of strategy Hannah Schmitz said Friday that the team was “looking into several changes for Max's car. There were things he was unhappy with, but we know what they are so can work on them,” The Race reported.
According to The Race, Verstappen also described a separate concern with the steering, saying he “had some issues with the steering, which we’ll need to fix ahead of qualifying”. The Race also quoted him adding: “There’s still a bit of work to do, but nothing major.”
The expected back-of-grid start comes during a strong run of results. Verstappen has won three of the last four races and moved into second place in the drivers' championship with his Mexico victory the previous Sunday, according to The Race.
