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'Red Bull and Ferrari pick up another grid penalty in America with new engine'
- GPblog.com
For the upcoming United States Grand Prix, it could well be chaos once again when it comes to the starting grid. Michael Schmidt of Auto, Motor und Sport predicts a lot of grid penalties in Austin.
Formula 1 is trying to cut costs and one such means is a maximum number of engines that can be used in a season. In practice, almost all teams go over the limit and receive grid penalties for doing so. In Italy this year that already caused a completely messed-up starting grid, and for the GP in America, we can expect that to happen again.
Grid penalties in America
Indeed, according to F1 journalist Schmidt, several teams are about to switch engines in America. There are only four races to go and the Circuit of the Americas is one where you can overtake well during Sunday's race. Thus, Red Bull Racing is reportedly considering giving Max Verstappen a new engine, but Sergio Perez also has to start from the back.
Besides Red Bull's drivers, the Ferrari-powered teams would also be in need of a new engine again. The Ferrari engine has not been completely reliable this year, so a new engine for the last four races is not a crazy idea. AlphaTauri, too, may opt for a new powerplant, according to Schmidt.
It will potentially make for a completely jumbled starting grid again in America, with Mercedes drivers able to take advantage of it. However, given Verstappen's previous overtaking races, it cannot be ruled out that this season's world champion could still run away with victory.