Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez are confirmed to start the São Paulo Grand Prix from the back of the grid. This follows significant power unit component changes for both Red Bull and Cadillac drivers. Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will also incur 10-place grid penalties for Sunday’s race at Interlagos.
The FIA technical delegate’s Saturday report detailed that Verstappen and Pérez each took three power unit components beyond their season allocations. Verstappen’s changes include a fifth internal combustion engine (ICE), a fifth turbocharger, and a fifth exhaust set.
Pérez, driving for Cadillac, also received a fifth ICE and a fifth turbocharger, alongside a fourth MGU-K. Each of these additional components triggers grid penalties.
Under the 2026 sporting regulations, the first additional component of each type incurs a 10-place grid penalty. Subsequent components of the same type result in a five-place drop. With three such changes each, both Verstappen and Pérez accumulated 30 cumulative grid places.
Drivers exceeding 15 cumulative grid places are mandated to start the race from the back of the field, with their relative order determined by qualifying performance. This makes Saturday’s qualifying session crucial for both Red Bull and Cadillac.
Ferrari drivers Hamilton and Leclerc are each facing a 10-place grid penalty. This is due to the fitment of a fifth internal combustion engine to their respective cars, exceeding the permitted allocation.
Mercedes’ George Russell had already been confirmed to receive a five-place grid penalty on Friday. This was for using his sixth internal combustion engine of the season.
The penalty marks Russell’s second engine-related grid drop in four rounds, following a substantial penalty served in Singapore. Mercedes strategically chose Interlagos for this change, referencing Lewis Hamilton’s successful recovery drive from a grid penalty at the circuit in 2021.
Red Bull’s decision to change Verstappen’s power unit was prompted by issues encountered during Friday practice. The team had intended to delay the component change but brought it forward after problems, including steering difficulties, emerged.
Ferrari’s decision to introduce new ICEs for Hamilton and Leclerc followed a challenging Friday. Both drivers struggled to match the pace of rivals, with Leclerc reporting issues with brakes and engine performance.
The 2026 Formula 1 regulations permit drivers to use no more than four ICEs and turbochargers, three MGU-Ks, energy stores, and control electronics, and four exhaust sets. An additional unit of each component is permitted for 2026, a provision now extended through the 2027 and 2028 seasons.
Interlagos has a history of facilitating recovery drives from deep in the field. Max Verstappen notably won from 17th in 2024 and finished third from the pit lane in 2025. Lewis Hamilton’s 2021 victory from a grid penalty further underscores the circuit’s potential for comebacks.
The forecast for Sunday’s race includes potential wet weather, which could further influence the race dynamics and create opportunities for drivers starting out of position. This adds another layer of strategic complexity for the penalized drivers and their teams.
Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who secured the 2026 World Drivers’ Championship in Mexico, topped Friday’s second practice session. Mercedes is also in contention to clinch the Constructors’ Championship this weekend.
Qualifying for the São Paulo Grand Prix is scheduled for Saturday, 15:00 local time (18:00 GMT). The session will determine the precise starting order for the penalized drivers at the back of the grid or their effective grid positions after drops.
