Max Verstappen is reportedly at risk of a Formula 1 penalty, which could provide Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri a huge boost in their bid to win the world title.
Two weeks ago, Lando Norris won the Mexico Grand Prix at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and reigning world champion Verstappen.
As a result, Norris now has a one-point lead over McLaren teammate Piastri at the top of the standings after the Australian only managed a fifth-place finish in Mexico.
Back in August, Piastri had a lead of more than 100 points over Verstappen, but following a recent dip in form, the Dutchman is only 35 points behind.
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With just four races to go, the title fight is set to go down to the wire.
Ahead of this weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix, it has been revealed that Verstappen is the most at risk of a potential grid penalty when compared to his title rivals Norris and Piastri.
As per regulations set out by the sport's governing body, the FIA, each driver is allowed a certain number of power unit parts.
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The FIA rules for F1 2025 state that a single driver can use:
4x Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)
4x Motor Generator Unit-Heat (MGU-H)
4x Motor Generator Unit-Kinetic (MGU-K)
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4x Turbocharger (TC)
2x Energy Store (ES)
2x Control Electronics (CE)
8x Exhaust (EX)
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As reported by Planet F1, Verstappen 'has the most cause for concern' as he is already on his seventh exhaust of the season. In comparison, both McLarens are on just three.
This means that Verstappen can only make one more exhaust change before being hit with a 10-place grid penalty.
Away from the exhaust, all three title contenders are on the limit for the ICE, TC, MGU-H, MGU-K, ES and CE.
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As a result, they are potentially just one accident away from being hit with a costly grid penalty.
To combat this, teams would usually think about putting in an old engine if it doesn't cost too much performance.
Topics: Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, Formula 1
Marcus Chan