Sports · Motorsport · 44 mins ago
Verstappen set to start Brazilian Grand Prix from the back
Red Bull changed engine components in Max Verstappen’s car, putting him in line for a back-of-the-grid start at Formula 1’s Brazilian Grand Prix.
The change follows engine, clutch and steering issues Verstappen raised during practice in Brazil.
He was third in Friday’s second practice session and third in the long-run averages.
Verstappen has won three of the last four races and moved up to second in the drivers’ championship after winning in Mexico last Sunday.
George Russell and Lewis Hamilton are also set to take grid penalties after engine component changes.
Verstappen is expected to start Sunday’s race from the back, though the source does not give further details about the penalties.
Max Verstappen will start the Brazilian Grand Prix from the back of the grid after Red Bull confirmed an engine penalty.
The penalty follows a complete power unit change after Verstappen experienced several issues during Friday practice.
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will each take a 10-place grid penalty for engine changes, according to Autosport and Sky Sports.
George Russell will also receive a five-place penalty, Motorsport.com and Sky Sports report.
Rain is forecast for Sunday’s race at Interlagos.
- Who
- Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and George Russell will serve grid penalties.
- What
- Verstappen will start from the back after an engine change. Hamilton and Leclerc will each take a 10-place penalty, and Russell a five-place penalty.
- When
- The penalties are for the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
- Where
- Interlagos, in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
- Why
- The drivers face penalties after engine changes or the use of additional engine components.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Verstappen experienced several issues and sat out the final six minutes of the second practice session.
Red Bull broke curfew as it prepared for changes to Verstappen’s car.
Red Bull confirmed Verstappen would take an engine penalty and start from the back.
The Brazilian Grand Prix is scheduled at Interlagos, with rain forecast.
- Verstappen
- Starts from the back of the grid
- Hamilton
- 10-place grid penalty
- Leclerc
- 10-place grid penalty
- Russell
- Five-place grid penalty
- Circuit
- Interlagos, Sao Paulo, Brazil
7 sources
Hamilton, Leclerc and Verstappen hit with F1 grid penalties for Brazilian GP
Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen hit with F1 grid penalties for Brazilian GP
Verstappen, Hamilton and Leclerc to have penalties
Hamilton, Verstappen, Leclerc to serve Sao Paulo GP grid penalties
Verstappen set to start from the back at F1's Brazilian GP
What people are saying
We will have to take an engine penalty with Max. He will start from the back - a position he knows very well here after the last two years
He's done a few miracles in the past starting from the back here and we're sure he will do a few more this year.
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.