ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled
| Filter | Status | Condition | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTTP status | PASS | download_http_code = 200 | HTTP 200 |
| Age cutoff | PASS | download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH | 0.1 months ago |
| History drop | PASS | isNull(history_drop_reason) | No drop reason |
| Spam/ban | PASS | fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0 | ml_spam_score=0 |
| Canonical | PASS | meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed | Not set |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| URL | https://racingnews365.com/the-grid-penalty-danger-zone-looming-for-leading-f1-drivers |
| Last Crawled | 2026-04-04 10:23:57 (2 days ago) |
| First Indexed | 2025-09-11 16:14:07 (6 months ago) |
| HTTP Status Code | 200 |
| Meta Title | The grid penalty danger zone looming for leading F1 drivers | RacingNews365 |
| Meta Description | At the end of the year, one topic always arises in F1: grid penalties. Which of the top drivers still fear a grid penalty in the final eight races? RacingNews365 has the list |
| Meta Canonical | null |
| Boilerpipe Text | At the end of the year, one topic always arises in F1: grid penalties. Which of the top drivers still fear a grid penalty in the final eight races? RacingNews365 has the list
Max Verstappen finds himself in typical late-season territory as the four-time F1 champion has joined his main rivals in teetering on the edge of a
grid
penalty.
With
Red Bull
's decision to fit a fresh power unit at the Italian Grand Prix, Verstappen has entered the same precarious position as McLaren duo Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and
Mercedes
' George Russell.
All five drivers are now walking a tightrope through the remaining eight races of the 2025 campaign, knowing that one more complete engine change will trigger an automatic relegation to the back of the grid.
Lewis Hamilton with his Ferrari, Verstappen's Red Bull team-mate Yuki Tsunoda, and Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes crossed this particular threshold earlier in the season, each taking grid penalties to secure additional power units for their respective pools. Should any of the trio require another engine change, further punishment would inevitably follow.
To recap, for the internal combustion engine, turbo, MGU-H and MGU-K components, drivers are permitted four units per season without penalty. The energy store and control electronics allocation is even more restrictive at just two units each, whilst exhaust systems allow for eight changes before sanctions kick in.
The drivers currently in the danger zone do retain some flexibility, however. Teams can revert to previously used engines that remain within their allocated pool, potentially avoiding immediate penalties whilst preserving fresher units for crucial races later in the campaign.
Red Bull's strategic approach
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies recently addressed the delicate balancing act his squad faces in managing Verstappen's engine allocation through to the season's end.
"I could say I don't know yet, but no. Seriously, I think we are pretty good," Mekies explained. "We put a new engine in Max's car [at Monza], of course, and we made a strategic change with Yuki [Tsunoda] a few races ago. So I am confident, and I hope it will work out."
The Frenchman's confidence suggests Red Bull has mapped out their component strategy in advance, though with eight races, even the best-laid plans can unravel quickly.
Check out the full list of engine parts used by the top four teams in F1 in 2025 below! (ICE = internal combustion engine, TC = turbo charger, ES = energy store, CE = control electronics, EX = exhaust)
The grid penalty danger zone looming for leading F1 drivers
Driver
ICE
TC
MGU-H
MGU-K
ES
CE
EX
Oscar Piastri
4
4
4
4
2
2
3
Lando Norris
4
4
4
4
2
2
3
Charles Leclerc
4
4
4
4
2
2
5
Lewis Hamilton
5
5
5
5
3
3
6
Max Verstappen
4
4
4
4
2
2
7
Yuki Tsunoda
5
5
5
5
3
3
7
George Russell
4
4
4
4
2
2
3
Kimi Antonelli
5
5
5
5
2
2
3
Also interesting:
Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes, Sam Coop and Nick Golding, as they look back on the Italian Grand Prix! Max Verstappen's dominant win is a lead discussion, as is whether McLaren has set a precedent with its controversial team orders.
Rather watch the podcast? Then
click here!
Explore the latest F1 results and every stat you can imagine - From
Max Verstappen
to
Michael Schumacher
and from
Ayrton Senna
to
Lewis Hamilton
— explore every stat from the first Grand Prix to the latest race.
Explore the RN365 Stats Hub
Most read
In this article
Max Verstappen
Red Bull Racing
F1 news
Formula 1
F1 2025
Formula 1 news
F1
Yuki Tsunoda
McLaren
Mercedes
Ferrari
Lando Norris
Charles Leclerc
Lewis Hamilton
Oscar Piastri
George Russell
Kimi Antonelli
Never miss a thing from the Formula 1 season! Add the 2026 F1 schedule to your calendar at the touch of a button. Subscribe below and put the dates and times of every race directly on your PC or smartphone, so you don't miss a second from the new season.
Download the F1 calendar
Kimi Antonelli reveals staggering response to F1 first: 'That was really cool'
Fernando Alonso offers sad 'charging station' realisation in fresh F1 criticism
Red Bull significant change highlighted after major decision
Toto Wolff delivers Mercedes team order stance
Charles Leclerc details main Ferrari weakness as 'massive' prediction made
Max Verstappen backed for fresh Mercedes F1 talks
Oscar Piastri spots unseen concern from monster F1 accident
Max Verstappen receives 'shut up' order as Lewis Hamilton 'signs for McLaren' throwback - RacingNews365 Review
Liam Lawson airs concern over 'unfortunate' F1 rule change
F1 fans deliver narrow verdict over troubled Red Bull start
More news |
| Markdown | [RN365 Podcast F1 branded a 'joke' as Max Verstappen hints at possible retirement](https://racingnews365.com/f1-branded-a-joke-as-verstappen-hints-at-possible-retirement)
[ Login](https://racingnews365.com/my-rn365)
- [Home](https://racingnews365.com/)
- [F1 news](https://racingnews365.com/f1-news)
- [Calendar](https://racingnews365.com/f1/calendar)
- [Standings](https://racingnews365.com/f1/standings)
- [F1 Drivers](https://racingnews365.com/drivers)
- [Full menu](https://racingnews365.com/the-grid-penalty-danger-zone-looming-for-leading-f1-drivers#menu "Full menu")
- [Home](https://racingnews365.com/)
- [F1 news](https://racingnews365.com/f1-news)
- [F1 Calendar](https://racingnews365.com/f1/calendar)
- [F1 Standings](https://racingnews365.com/f1/standings)
- [Interviews](https://racingnews365.com/interview)
- [Videos](https://racingnews365.com/video)
- [Podcast](https://racingnews365.com/f1-podcast)
- [Formula E](https://racingnews365.com/formula-e)
Close More
- [Home](https://racingnews365.com/)
- [F1 news](https://racingnews365.com/f1-news)
- [F1 calendar 2026](https://racingnews365.com/f1/calendar)
- [F1 standings 2026](https://racingnews365.com/f1/standings)
- [F1 drivers](https://racingnews365.com/drivers)
- [F1 teams](https://racingnews365.com/f1/teams)
- [F1 circuits](https://racingnews365.com/f1/races)
- [F1 results](https://racingnews365.com/formula-1-results)
- [F1 Live](https://racingnews365.com/live-timing-updates-blog-f1)
- [F1 videos](https://racingnews365.com/video)
- [F1 podcast](https://racingnews365.com/formula-1-podcast)
- [Formula E](https://racingnews365.com/formula-e)
- [Close menu](https://racingnews365.com/the-grid-penalty-danger-zone-looming-for-leading-f1-drivers#close-menu)
Welcome at RacingNews365
Become part of the largest racing community in the United Kingdom. Create your free account now\!
- Share your thoughts and opinions about F1
- Win fantastic prizes
- Get access to our premium content
- Take advantage of more exclusive benefits
[Sign in](https://racingnews365.com/register)

### Australian
8 Mar 2026

### Chinese
15 Mar 2026

### Japanese
29 Mar 2026
#### [ Miami GP Start race 29 d 09:35:59](https://racingnews365.com/f1/races/gp-miami)
##### Quali. Qualifying
2 May 2026
20:00 - 21:00
##### Race Race
3 May 2026
20:00 - 21:59

### Canadian
24 May 2026

### Monaco
7 Jun 2026

### Barcelona
14 Jun 2026

### Austrian
28 Jun 2026

### British
5 Jul 2026

### Belgian
19 Jul 2026

### Hungarian
26 Jul 2026

### Dutch
23 Aug 2026

### Italian
6 Sept 2026

### Spanish
13 Sept 2026

### Azerbaijan
26 Sept 2026

### Singapore
11 Oct 2026

### United States
25 Oct 2026

### Mexican
1 Nov 2026

### Brazilian
8 Nov 2026

### Las Vegas
22 Nov 2026

### Qatar
29 Nov 2026

### Abu Dhabi
6 Dec 2026

More information

[Max Verstappen](https://racingnews365.com/max-verstappen)
# The grid penalty danger zone looming for leading F1 drivers
At the end of the year, one topic always arises in F1: grid penalties. Which of the top drivers still fear a grid penalty in the final eight races? RacingNews365 has the list

[RacingNews365 Staff](https://racingnews365.com/authors/rik)
11 September 2025 at 16:15
Share
[0 comments 0](https://racingnews365.com/the-grid-penalty-danger-zone-looming-for-leading-f1-drivers#comments)

Article
[To news overview](https://racingnews365.com/f1-news)
© Red Bull Content Pool
Max Verstappen finds himself in typical late-season territory as the four-time F1 champion has joined his main rivals in teetering on the edge of a [grid](https://racingnews365.com/f1-2025-confirmed-driver-line-ups) penalty.
With [Red Bull](https://racingnews365.com/f1/teams/red-bull/news)'s decision to fit a fresh power unit at the Italian Grand Prix, Verstappen has entered the same precarious position as McLaren duo Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and [Mercedes](https://racingnews365.com/f1/teams/mercedes/news)' George Russell.
All five drivers are now walking a tightrope through the remaining eight races of the 2025 campaign, knowing that one more complete engine change will trigger an automatic relegation to the back of the grid.
Lewis Hamilton with his Ferrari, Verstappen's Red Bull team-mate Yuki Tsunoda, and Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes crossed this particular threshold earlier in the season, each taking grid penalties to secure additional power units for their respective pools. Should any of the trio require another engine change, further punishment would inevitably follow.
To recap, for the internal combustion engine, turbo, MGU-H and MGU-K components, drivers are permitted four units per season without penalty. The energy store and control electronics allocation is even more restrictive at just two units each, whilst exhaust systems allow for eight changes before sanctions kick in.
The drivers currently in the danger zone do retain some flexibility, however. Teams can revert to previously used engines that remain within their allocated pool, potentially avoiding immediate penalties whilst preserving fresher units for crucial races later in the campaign.
## Red Bull's strategic approach
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies recently addressed the delicate balancing act his squad faces in managing Verstappen's engine allocation through to the season's end.
"I could say I don't know yet, but no. Seriously, I think we are pretty good," Mekies explained. "We put a new engine in Max's car \[at Monza\], of course, and we made a strategic change with Yuki \[Tsunoda\] a few races ago. So I am confident, and I hope it will work out."
The Frenchman's confidence suggests Red Bull has mapped out their component strategy in advance, though with eight races, even the best-laid plans can unravel quickly.
*Check out the full list of engine parts used by the top four teams in F1 in 2025 below! (ICE = internal combustion engine, TC = turbo charger, ES = energy store, CE = control electronics, EX = exhaust)*
## Number of engine parts used in F1 in 2025 (top four teams)
| Driver | ICE | TC | MGU-H | MGU-K | ES | CE | EX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oscar Piastri | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Lando Norris | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Charles Leclerc | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 5 |
| Lewis Hamilton | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| Max Verstappen | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 7 |
| Yuki Tsunoda | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 7 |
| George Russell | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Kimi Antonelli | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
### Also interesting:
Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes, Sam Coop and Nick Golding, as they look back on the Italian Grand Prix! Max Verstappen's dominant win is a lead discussion, as is whether McLaren has set a precedent with its controversial team orders.
Rather watch the podcast? Then [click here\!](https://youtu.be/rXGT5U1epgU)
[](spotify:show:6Tp150lhmnLgp0xdWdDVRL) [](https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1559870202)
[NEW RN365 STATS\!](https://racingnews365.com/f1/standings/2026/drivers)
Explore the latest F1 results and every stat you can imagine - From **Max Verstappen** to **Michael Schumacher** and from **Ayrton Senna** to **Lewis Hamilton** — explore every stat from the first Grand Prix to the latest race.
[Explore the RN365 Stats Hub](https://racingnews365.com/f1/standings/2026/drivers)
Most read
[Throwback Lewis Hamilton signs with McLaren to begin historic F1 journey Yesterday, 13:40 2 ](https://racingnews365.com/lewis-hamilton-signs-with-mclaren-to-begin-historic-f1-journey)
[Max Verstappen told to 'shut up' and he is 'not bigger than F1' Yesterday, 10:00 9 ](https://racingnews365.com/max-verstappen-told-to-shut-up-and-he-is-not-bigger-than-f1)
[Kimi Antonelli reveals staggering response to F1 first: 'That was really cool' Today, 10:00 0 ](https://racingnews365.com/kimi-antonelli-reveals-staggering-response-to-f1-first-that-was-definitely-special)
[F1 Podcast F1 branded a 'joke' as Max Verstappen hints at possible retirement 30 Mar, 14:00 0 ](https://racingnews365.com/f1-branded-a-joke-as-verstappen-hints-at-possible-retirement)
[Fernando Alonso offers sad 'charging station' realisation in fresh F1 criticism Today, 09:05 0 ](https://racingnews365.com/fernando-alonso-offers-sad-charging-station-realisation-in-fresh-f1-criticism)
[Red Bull significant change highlighted after major decision Today, 08:10 0 ](https://racingnews365.com/red-bull-significant-change-highlighted-after-major-decision)
[Oscar Piastri spots unseen concern from monster F1 accident Today, 04:30 0 ](https://racingnews365.com/oscar-piastri-spots-unseen-concern-from-monster-f1-accident)
[Max Verstappen receives 'shut up' order as Lewis Hamilton 'signs for McLaren' throwback - RacingNews365 Review Yesterday, 20:00 0 ](https://racingnews365.com/max-verstappen-receives-shut-up-order-as-lewis-hamilton-signs-for-mclaren---racingnews365-review)
[George Russell 'lost his head' after Kimi Antonelli frustrations Yesterday, 11:50 3 ](https://racingnews365.com/george-russell-lost-his-head-after-kimi-antonelli-frustrations)
[Toto Wolff delivers Mercedes team order stance Today, 07:15 0 ](https://racingnews365.com/toto-wolff-delivers-mercedes-team-order-stance)
In this article
- [Max Verstappen](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/max-verstappen/news)
- [Red Bull Racing](https://racingnews365.com/f1/teams/red-bull/news)
- [F1 news](https://racingnews365.com/f1-news)
- [Formula 1](https://racingnews365.com/formula-1)
- [F1 2025](https://racingnews365.com/f1-2025)
- [Formula 1 news](https://racingnews365.com/formula-1-news)
- [F1](https://racingnews365.com/f1)
- [Yuki Tsunoda](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/yuki-tsunoda/news)
- [McLaren](https://racingnews365.com/f1/teams/mclaren/news)
- [Mercedes](https://racingnews365.com/f1/teams/mercedes/news)
- [Ferrari](https://racingnews365.com/f1/teams/ferrari/news)
- [Lando Norris](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/lando-norris/news)
- [Charles Leclerc](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/charles-leclerc/news)
- [Lewis Hamilton](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/lewis-hamilton/news)
- [Oscar Piastri](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/oscar-piastri/news)
- [George Russell](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/george-russell/news)
- [Kimi Antonelli](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/kimi-antonelli/news)
Join the conversation\!
Want to join in? No problem! You just need to sign in with an RN365 account.
[Login](https://racingnews365.com/login?redirect=/the-grid-penalty-danger-zone-looming-for-leading-f1-drivers#comments) [Sign up](https://racingnews365.com/register?redirect=/the-grid-penalty-danger-zone-looming-for-leading-f1-drivers#comments)
Be the first to react\!
[Subscribe to the F1 calendar](https://racingnews365.com/add-the-2026-f1-calendar-to-your-agenda-with-one-click)
Never miss a thing from the Formula 1 season! Add the 2026 F1 schedule to your calendar at the touch of a button. Subscribe below and put the dates and times of every race directly on your PC or smartphone, so you don't miss a second from the new season.
[Download the F1 calendar](webcal://racingnews365.com/ics/download/calendar-formula-2026.ics?all)
[Download the F1 calendar](https://racingnews365.com/ics/download/calendar-formula-2026.ics?all)
A variant with just the race and qualifying is also available.
[Click here to download it.](https://racingnews365.com/add-the-2026-f1-calendar-to-your-agenda-with-one-click).
Latest news
[Kimi Antonelli reveals staggering response to F1 first: 'That was really cool' Today, 10:00 0 ](https://racingnews365.com/kimi-antonelli-reveals-staggering-response-to-f1-first-that-was-definitely-special)
[Fernando Alonso offers sad 'charging station' realisation in fresh F1 criticism Today, 09:05 0 ](https://racingnews365.com/fernando-alonso-offers-sad-charging-station-realisation-in-fresh-f1-criticism)
[Red Bull significant change highlighted after major decision Today, 08:10 0 ](https://racingnews365.com/red-bull-significant-change-highlighted-after-major-decision)
[Toto Wolff delivers Mercedes team order stance Today, 07:15 0 ](https://racingnews365.com/toto-wolff-delivers-mercedes-team-order-stance)
[Charles Leclerc details main Ferrari weakness as 'massive' prediction made Today, 06:20 0 ](https://racingnews365.com/charles-leclerc-details-main-ferrari-weakness-as-massive-prediction-made)
[More news](https://racingnews365.com/f1-news)
[Latest news](https://racingnews365.com/f1-news)
- [Kimi Antonelli reveals staggering response to F1 first: 'That was really cool' Today, 10:00](https://racingnews365.com/kimi-antonelli-reveals-staggering-response-to-f1-first-that-was-definitely-special)
- [Fernando Alonso offers sad 'charging station' realisation in fresh F1 criticism Today, 09:05](https://racingnews365.com/fernando-alonso-offers-sad-charging-station-realisation-in-fresh-f1-criticism)
- [Red Bull significant change highlighted after major decision Today, 08:10](https://racingnews365.com/red-bull-significant-change-highlighted-after-major-decision)
- [Toto Wolff delivers Mercedes team order stance Today, 07:15](https://racingnews365.com/toto-wolff-delivers-mercedes-team-order-stance)
- [Charles Leclerc details main Ferrari weakness as 'massive' prediction made Today, 06:20](https://racingnews365.com/charles-leclerc-details-main-ferrari-weakness-as-massive-prediction-made)
- [Max Verstappen backed for fresh Mercedes F1 talks Today, 05:25](https://racingnews365.com/max-verstappen-backed-for-fresh-mercedes-f1-talks)
- [Oscar Piastri spots unseen concern from monster F1 accident Today, 04:30](https://racingnews365.com/oscar-piastri-spots-unseen-concern-from-monster-f1-accident)
- [Max Verstappen receives 'shut up' order as Lewis Hamilton 'signs for McLaren' throwback - RacingNews365 Review Yesterday, 20:00](https://racingnews365.com/max-verstappen-receives-shut-up-order-as-lewis-hamilton-signs-for-mclaren---racingnews365-review)
- [Liam Lawson airs concern over 'unfortunate' F1 rule change Yesterday, 18:00](https://racingnews365.com/liam-lawson-airs-concern-over-unfortunate-f1-rule-change)
- [F1 fans deliver narrow verdict over troubled Red Bull start Yesterday, 17:10](https://racingnews365.com/f1-fans-deliver-narrow-verdict-over-troubled-red-bull-start)
[More news](https://racingnews365.com/f1-news)
[F1 calendar 2026](https://racingnews365.com/f1/calendar/2026)
| Race | Date |
|---|---|
| [ Miami GP](https://racingnews365.com/f1/races/gp-miami) | 03 May 2026 |
| [ Canadian GP](https://racingnews365.com/f1/races/canadian-gp) | 24 May 2026 |
| [ Monaco GP](https://racingnews365.com/f1/races/monaco-gp) | 07 Jun 2026 |
| [ Barcelona GP](https://racingnews365.com/f1/races/barcelona-gp) | 14 Jun 2026 |
| [ Austrian GP](https://racingnews365.com/f1/races/austrian-gp) | 28 Jun 2026 |
| [ British GP](https://racingnews365.com/f1/races/british-gp) | 05 Jul 2026 |
[Full calendar](https://racingnews365.com/f1/calendar/2026)
Welcome at RacingNews365
Become part of the largest racing community in the United Kingdom. Create your free account now\!
- Share your thoughts and opinions about F1
- Win fantastic prizes
- Get access to our premium content
- Take advantage of more exclusive benefits
[Sign in](https://racingnews365.com/register)
About RacingNews365
Find the [latest F1 news](https://racingnews365.com/f1-news) and news from other motorsport series at **RacingNews365.com**, the world's leading independent F1 website providing daily F1 coverage.
Stay up to date with top drivers including World Champions [Lewis Hamilton](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/lewis-hamilton), [Max Verstappen](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/max-verstappen) and [Fernando Alonso](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/fernando-alonso), and youngsters [Lando Norris](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/lando-norris), [George Russell](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/george-russell) and [Charles Leclerc](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/charles-leclerc).
Check out the [2026 F1 calendar](https://racingnews365.com/f1/calendar) for an overview of all the races, with extensive background and real-time information.
Follow us on Social Media
Follow RacingNews365 on your favorite social media channels\!
- [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/racingnews365com/)
- [X](https://x.com/Racingnews365C)
- [Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/racingnews365.com)
- [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/racingnews365com)
- [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYImN9QxVxE46rp-maacbUA)
More RN365
- [Editorial team and staff](https://racingnews365.com/editorial-team-and-staff)
- [Service and contact](https://racingnews365.com/service-and-contact)
- [RN365.agency](https://www.rn365.agency/)
Teams
- [Red Bull](https://racingnews365.com/f1/teams/red-bull/news)
- [McLaren](https://racingnews365.com/f1/teams/mclaren/news)
- [Ferrari](https://racingnews365.com/f1/teams/ferrari/news)
- [Mercedes](https://racingnews365.com/f1/teams/mercedes/news)
- [Alpine F1 Team](https://racingnews365.com/f1/teams/alpine/news)
- [Audi](https://racingnews365.com/f1/teams/audi-f1-team/news)
- [Aston Martin](https://racingnews365.com/f1/teams/aston-martin/news)
- [Haas F1 Team](https://racingnews365.com/f1/teams/haas/news)
- [Racing Bulls](https://racingnews365.com/f1/teams/racing-bulls/news)
- [Williams](https://racingnews365.com/f1/teams/williams/news)
- [Cadillac F1 Team](https://racingnews365.com/f1/teams/cadillac/news)
Drivers
- [Max Verstappen](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/max-verstappen/news)
- [Lando Norris](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/lando-norris/news)
- [George Russell](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/george-russell/news)
- [Charles Leclerc](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/charles-leclerc/news)
- [Lewis Hamilton](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/lewis-hamilton/news)
- [Fernando Alonso](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/fernando-alonso/news)
- [Andrea Kimi Antonelli](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/kimi-antonelli/news)
- [Isack Hadjar](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/isack-hadjar/news)
- [Oscar Piastri](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/oscar-piastri/news)
- [Carlos Sainz](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/carlos-sainz/news)
- [Sergio Pérez](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/sergio-perez/news)
- [Esteban Ocon](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/esteban-ocon/news)
- [Valtteri Bottas](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/valtteri-bottas/news)
- [Arvid Lindblad](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/arvid-lindblad/news)
- [Pierre Gasly](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/pierre-gasly/news)
- [Lance Stroll](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/lance-stroll/news)
- [Nico HĂĽlkenberg](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/nico-hulkenberg/news)
- [Alexander Albon](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/alex-albon/news)
- [Liam Lawson](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/liam-lawson/news)
- [Oliver Bearman](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/oliver-bearman/news)
- [Franco Colapinto](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/franco-colapinto/news)
- [Gabriel Bortoleto](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/gabriel-bortoleto/news)
Grand Prixes
- [Australian GP](https://racingnews365.com/f1/races/australian-gp)
- [Chinese GP](https://racingnews365.com/f1/races/gp-china)
- [Japanese GP](https://racingnews365.com/f1/races/japanese-gp)
- [Miami GP](https://racingnews365.com/f1/races/gp-miami)
- [Canadian GP](https://racingnews365.com/f1/races/canadian-gp)
- [Monaco GP](https://racingnews365.com/f1/races/monaco-gp)
- [Barcelona GP](https://racingnews365.com/f1/races/barcelona-gp)
- [Austrian GP](https://racingnews365.com/f1/races/austrian-gp)
- [British GP](https://racingnews365.com/f1/races/british-gp)
- [Belgian GP](https://racingnews365.com/f1/races/belgian-gp)
- [Hungarian GP](https://racingnews365.com/f1/races/hungarian-gp)
- [Dutch GP](https://racingnews365.com/f1/races/dutch-gp)
- [Italian GP](https://racingnews365.com/f1/races/italian-gp)
- [Spanish GP](https://racingnews365.com/f1/races/spanish-gp)
- [Azerbaijan GP](https://racingnews365.com/f1/races/azerbaijan-gp)
- [Singapore GP](https://racingnews365.com/f1/races/singapore-gp)
- [United States GP](https://racingnews365.com/f1/races/united-states-gp)
- [Las Vegas GP](https://racingnews365.com/f1/races/gp-las-vegas)
- [Qatar GP](https://racingnews365.com/f1/races/gp-qatar)
- [Abu Dhabi GP](https://racingnews365.com/f1/races/abu-dhabi-gp)
Legendary Drivers
- [Nico Rosberg](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/nico-rosberg)
- [Alain Prost](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/alain-prost)
- [Michael Schumacher](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/michael-schumacher)
- [Alberto Ascari](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/alberto-ascari)
- [Ayrton Senna](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/ayrton-senna)
- [Gilles Villeneuve](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/gilles-villeneuve)
- [James Hunt](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/james-hunt)
- [Jackie Stewart](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/jackie-stewart)
- [Mika Häkkinen](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/mika-hakkinen)
- [Jos Verstappen](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/jos-verstappen)
- [Jim Clark](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/jim-clark)
- [Niki Lauda](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/niki-lauda)
- [Nigel Mansell](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/nigel-mansell)
- [Stirling Moss](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/stirling-moss)
- [Juan Manuel Fangio](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/juan-manuel-fangio)
- [Emerson Fittipaldi](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/emerson-fittipaldi)
- [Graham Hill](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/graham-hill)
- [Nelson Piquet](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/nelson-piquet)
- [Jack Brabham](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/jack-brabham)
- [John Surtees](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/john-surtees)
- [Mario Andretti](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/mario-andretti)
- [Editorial team](https://racingnews365.com/editorial-team-and-staff)
- [Disclaimer](https://racingnews365.com/disclaimer)
- [Terms and conditions](https://racingnews365.com/terms-and-conditions)
- [Privacy Policy](https://racingnews365.com/privacy-policy)
- [Contact](https://racingnews365.com/service-and-contact)
- [Created by On Your Marks](https://www.onyourmarks.agency/)
- [Privacy manager](https://racingnews365.com/the-grid-penalty-danger-zone-looming-for-leading-f1-drivers#cookies)
© 2026 RacingNews365. All rights reserved
[Bezoek RacingNews365.nl En lees het laatste F1 nieuws in het Nederlands\!](https://racingnews365.com/)
[Naar RacingNews365.nl](https://racingnews365.nl/) [Niet meer tonen](https://racingnews365.com/the-grid-penalty-danger-zone-looming-for-leading-f1-drivers#ignore)
[x](https://racingnews365.com/the-grid-penalty-danger-zone-looming-for-leading-f1-drivers#close)
[LATEST Max Verstappen told to 'shut up' and he is 'not bigger than F1'](https://racingnews365.com/max-verstappen-told-to-shut-up-and-he-is-not-bigger-than-f1) |
| Readable Markdown | At the end of the year, one topic always arises in F1: grid penalties. Which of the top drivers still fear a grid penalty in the final eight races? RacingNews365 has the list
Max Verstappen finds himself in typical late-season territory as the four-time F1 champion has joined his main rivals in teetering on the edge of a [grid](https://racingnews365.com/f1-2025-confirmed-driver-line-ups) penalty.
With [Red Bull](https://racingnews365.com/f1/teams/red-bull/news)'s decision to fit a fresh power unit at the Italian Grand Prix, Verstappen has entered the same precarious position as McLaren duo Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and [Mercedes](https://racingnews365.com/f1/teams/mercedes/news)' George Russell.
All five drivers are now walking a tightrope through the remaining eight races of the 2025 campaign, knowing that one more complete engine change will trigger an automatic relegation to the back of the grid.
Lewis Hamilton with his Ferrari, Verstappen's Red Bull team-mate Yuki Tsunoda, and Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes crossed this particular threshold earlier in the season, each taking grid penalties to secure additional power units for their respective pools. Should any of the trio require another engine change, further punishment would inevitably follow.
To recap, for the internal combustion engine, turbo, MGU-H and MGU-K components, drivers are permitted four units per season without penalty. The energy store and control electronics allocation is even more restrictive at just two units each, whilst exhaust systems allow for eight changes before sanctions kick in.
The drivers currently in the danger zone do retain some flexibility, however. Teams can revert to previously used engines that remain within their allocated pool, potentially avoiding immediate penalties whilst preserving fresher units for crucial races later in the campaign.
## Red Bull's strategic approach
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies recently addressed the delicate balancing act his squad faces in managing Verstappen's engine allocation through to the season's end.
"I could say I don't know yet, but no. Seriously, I think we are pretty good," Mekies explained. "We put a new engine in Max's car \[at Monza\], of course, and we made a strategic change with Yuki \[Tsunoda\] a few races ago. So I am confident, and I hope it will work out."
The Frenchman's confidence suggests Red Bull has mapped out their component strategy in advance, though with eight races, even the best-laid plans can unravel quickly.
*Check out the full list of engine parts used by the top four teams in F1 in 2025 below! (ICE = internal combustion engine, TC = turbo charger, ES = energy store, CE = control electronics, EX = exhaust)*
| Driver | ICE | TC | MGU-H | MGU-K | ES | CE | EX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oscar Piastri | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Lando Norris | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Charles Leclerc | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 5 |
| Lewis Hamilton | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| Max Verstappen | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 7 |
| Yuki Tsunoda | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 7 |
| George Russell | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Kimi Antonelli | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
### Also interesting:
Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes, Sam Coop and Nick Golding, as they look back on the Italian Grand Prix! Max Verstappen's dominant win is a lead discussion, as is whether McLaren has set a precedent with its controversial team orders.
Rather watch the podcast? Then [click here\!](https://youtu.be/rXGT5U1epgU)
[](spotify:show:6Tp150lhmnLgp0xdWdDVRL) [](https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1559870202)
Explore the latest F1 results and every stat you can imagine - From **Max Verstappen** to **Michael Schumacher** and from **Ayrton Senna** to **Lewis Hamilton** — explore every stat from the first Grand Prix to the latest race.
[Explore the RN365 Stats Hub](https://racingnews365.com/f1/standings/2026/drivers)
Most read
In this article
- [Max Verstappen](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/max-verstappen/news)
- [Red Bull Racing](https://racingnews365.com/f1/teams/red-bull/news)
- [F1 news](https://racingnews365.com/f1-news)
- [Formula 1](https://racingnews365.com/formula-1)
- [F1 2025](https://racingnews365.com/f1-2025)
- [Formula 1 news](https://racingnews365.com/formula-1-news)
- [F1](https://racingnews365.com/f1)
- [Yuki Tsunoda](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/yuki-tsunoda/news)
- [McLaren](https://racingnews365.com/f1/teams/mclaren/news)
- [Mercedes](https://racingnews365.com/f1/teams/mercedes/news)
- [Ferrari](https://racingnews365.com/f1/teams/ferrari/news)
- [Lando Norris](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/lando-norris/news)
- [Charles Leclerc](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/charles-leclerc/news)
- [Lewis Hamilton](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/lewis-hamilton/news)
- [Oscar Piastri](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/oscar-piastri/news)
- [George Russell](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/george-russell/news)
- [Kimi Antonelli](https://racingnews365.com/drivers/kimi-antonelli/news)
Never miss a thing from the Formula 1 season! Add the 2026 F1 schedule to your calendar at the touch of a button. Subscribe below and put the dates and times of every race directly on your PC or smartphone, so you don't miss a second from the new season.
[Download the F1 calendar](webcal://racingnews365.com/ics/download/calendar-formula-2026.ics?all)
- [Kimi Antonelli reveals staggering response to F1 first: 'That was really cool'](https://racingnews365.com/kimi-antonelli-reveals-staggering-response-to-f1-first-that-was-definitely-special)
- [Fernando Alonso offers sad 'charging station' realisation in fresh F1 criticism](https://racingnews365.com/fernando-alonso-offers-sad-charging-station-realisation-in-fresh-f1-criticism)
- [Red Bull significant change highlighted after major decision](https://racingnews365.com/red-bull-significant-change-highlighted-after-major-decision)
- [Toto Wolff delivers Mercedes team order stance](https://racingnews365.com/toto-wolff-delivers-mercedes-team-order-stance)
- [Charles Leclerc details main Ferrari weakness as 'massive' prediction made](https://racingnews365.com/charles-leclerc-details-main-ferrari-weakness-as-massive-prediction-made)
- [Max Verstappen backed for fresh Mercedes F1 talks](https://racingnews365.com/max-verstappen-backed-for-fresh-mercedes-f1-talks)
- [Oscar Piastri spots unseen concern from monster F1 accident](https://racingnews365.com/oscar-piastri-spots-unseen-concern-from-monster-f1-accident)
- [Max Verstappen receives 'shut up' order as Lewis Hamilton 'signs for McLaren' throwback - RacingNews365 Review](https://racingnews365.com/max-verstappen-receives-shut-up-order-as-lewis-hamilton-signs-for-mclaren---racingnews365-review)
- [Liam Lawson airs concern over 'unfortunate' F1 rule change](https://racingnews365.com/liam-lawson-airs-concern-over-unfortunate-f1-rule-change)
- [F1 fans deliver narrow verdict over troubled Red Bull start](https://racingnews365.com/f1-fans-deliver-narrow-verdict-over-troubled-red-bull-start)
[More news](https://racingnews365.com/f1-news) |
| Shard | 102 (laksa) |
| Root Hash | 16442523643453250902 |
| Unparsed URL | com,racingnews365!/the-grid-penalty-danger-zone-looming-for-leading-f1-drivers s443 |