New engine forces F1 leader Verstappen to back of grid in Sochi

System A single championship leader Max Verstappen is set to start out the Russian Grand Prix from the again of the grid soon after his Purple Bull workforce elected to suit a new electric power device to the Dutchman’s auto.

The 23-yr-outdated, who qualified prospects Mercedes rival Lewis Hamilton by five details in the general standings, was previously carrying a a few-put grid penalty soon after a collision with the Briton in the Italian Grand Prix that set each drivers out of the race.

Motorists are allowed no extra than a few electric power models per period, and exceeding that allocation triggers grid penalties.

Verstappen, who has gained seven races this yr to Hamilton’s four, can nevertheless mitigate any injury to his title direct in Sunday’s race with the Sochi circuit rather a lot easier to overtake on.

He took identical penalties in the 2018 Russian race but scythed by the area from 19th on the grid to finish fifth.

The engine penalty, nevertheless, does clean Hamilton’s path to a landmark 100th gain.

His Mercedes workforce have been unbeaten in Russia since the race joined the calendar in 2014 and predictably dominated Friday’s two observe classes with Valtteri Bottas foremost Hamilton.