Russian Grand Prix

Verstappen to start at the back of Russian Grand Prix grid after PU change

Sam Hall Friday 24 September 2021 14:14 Updated: 15:03

Verstappen to start at the back of Russian Grand Prix grid after PU change

Red Bull has confirmed Max Verstappen will start from the back of the grid at the Russian Grand Prix after taking his fourth new Honda power unit of the season.

Verstappen has had a power unit penalty hanging over him since his 51g crash with Lewis Hamilton at the British Grand Prix in July.

Sergio Perez took a fourth power unit at the Dutch Grand Prix and with a three-place grid penalty already hanging over him from Monza, Red Bull has elected to take its pain with Verstappen this weekend.

Verstappen will start directly behind Charles Leclerc on the grid after the Ferrari driver was also hit with a back of the grid penalty for fitting an upgraded hybrid system this weekend.

The change will not necessarily see Mercedes immediately react with a change of its own in Lewis Hamilton's car despite his recent failure at the Dutch Grand Prix.

In 2019, Alex Albon, driving for Red Bull, absorbed a similar penalty and finished fifth.

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Verstappen to start at the back of Russian Grand Prix grid after PU change

Verstappen to start at the back of Russian Grand Prix grid after PU change