Last Updated: 10/09/22 1:59 PM
Max Verstappen will be penalized for Sunday’s Grand Prix
World championship leader Max Verstappen will receive a five-place grid penalty at the Italian Grand Prix, with nine drivers receiving grid-drops for Sunday’s race at Monza.
Verstappen took his fifth internal combustion engine (ICE) of the season, of which three were allowed. The Dutchman was given a 10-place penalty for taking fourth place at the Belgian GP last month, but the penalty is reduced for his second offence.
Mercedes had already confirmed on Thursday that Lewis Hamilton would start at the back of the grid after getting new parts, while Verstappen’s Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz also face penalties.
Perez gets his fourth ICE, and therefore receives a 10-place penalty, while Sainz is relegated to the back of the grid after getting a new gearbox along with several other engine parts.
Alfa Romeo’s Valtteri Bottas will receive a 15-place penalty for receiving new parts, while Yuki Tsunoda joins Hamilton and Sainz at the back of the grid after getting a full set of new parts.
Max Verstappen – 5 places Esteban Ocon – 5 places Sergio Perez – 10 places Valtteri Bottas – 15 places Mick Schumacher- 15 places Kevin Magnussen- 15 places Yuki Tsunoda – behind the grid Lewis Hamilton – back on the grid Carlos Sainz – behind the grid
During Saturday’s final practice session, it was confirmed that Alpine’s Esteban Ocon, along with the two Haas drivers, will expand the field facing penalties to nine drivers.
Ocon gets a new ICE and like Verstappen will face a five-place penalty, while Haas duo Kevin Magnussen and Mick Schumacher have dropped 15 places after several new parts.
Verstappen’s penalty threatens his run of four consecutive wins, but the Red Bull driver managed to win from 14th on the grid at Spa after taking a penalty there, and also won from 10th in Hungary.
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Formula One paddocks paid their respects to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II ahead of Friday’s practice
Formula One paddocks paid their respects to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II ahead of Friday’s practice
The penalties, which could still be added ahead of Sunday’s race, will boost Charles Leclerc’s hopes of a home win for Ferrari at Monza, while Mercedes’ George Russell could also benefit.
Verstappen has a 109-point lead over Leclerc and Perez, who are tied for second, going into the final seven races of the season.
Formula 1 paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II with a minute’s silence before the start of practice on Friday, with many cars wearing visual tributes throughout the weekend. One more tribute is expected before Sunday’s game.
