More Trouble For Verstappen As Defending Champion Handed 5-Place Grid PENALTY For Brazilian GP

The troubles for Max Verstappen in his hunt for his fourth World Championship keep growing as the defending champion and Red Bull driver has been handed a five place grid penalty for the Brazilian Grand Prix. This comes in after the Dutch driver decided to take a new engine for the Grand Prix. The three-time World Champion currently holds a 47-point lead over the World Championship standings and with this move, Lando Norris has a prime opportunity to cut into Max Verstappen's lead. 

Max Verstappen Handed 5-Place Grid Penalty 

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen has received a five-place grid penalty at the Brazilian Grand Prix after he again decided to change his engine.

His move could improve the chances of McLaren’s Lando Norris in Sunday’s race to reduce the Dutchman’s 47-point lead in Formula 1.

Read More: Ollie Bearman Back In F1 As Magnussen Pulls Out Sick From Brazilian GP

The FIA confirmed the Verstappen decision on Friday. Drivers are allowed to use four engines throughout the season. Verstappen is up to six.

Verstappen Finishes Fourth In The Sprint Race 

He clocked the 15th best time during the morning practice, one second behind Norris, who was fastest. Later, he finished fourth in the sprint race qualifier, 0.320 seconds behind McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, the leader.

Verstappen served a 10-place grid penalty for using his fifth engine at July’s Belgian GP. 

Read More: Verstappen Hits Back At FIA As He Feels F1 Has Become Over-Policed

The three-time F1 champion leads the overall standings with four races to go.

During his press conference on Thursday, Verstappen expressed doubts about whether he would change his engine for Brazil.

Verstappen have been having their own set of problems as both drivers have been going hard against each other and there have been concerns raised that Verstappen is getting too aggressive in his driving style to defend against Lando Norris.