Verstappen to take engine penalty before end of season

Max Verstappen says he will have to take an engine penalty at some stage between now and the end of the season, with the upcoming Sao Paulo Grand Prix one option.

Red Bull noted a lack of straight line performance from Verstappen's car in the Mexico City Grand Prix, where he had been hampered by power unit issues during Friday practice. This weekend’s race in Brazil has been suggested as a likely venue because of the overtaking opportunities at Interlagos, but while he confirmed a penalty is coming at some stage, Verstappen said no decision has been made about the timing.

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“I haven’t heard anything yet,” Verstappen said. “It’s not been discussed, but I know that I will have to take one at some point. So we’ll see.

“Honestly, [picking a good circuit] is something that is always unknown. You think that one particular track is the best place to take an engine or whatever penalty, but it’s never guaranteed. But [Interlagos] is a possibility.”

Should Verstappen take the penalty this weekend, he will only take any associated grid penalties for the grand prix itself on Sunday. In 2021, Lewis Hamilton took a power unit penalty and won from 10th on the grid after starting the Sprint at the back when he was disqualified from qualifying due to a technical infringement.