Max Verstappen could be hit with damaging 'penalty' to boost Lando Norris' F1 title chances

Defending Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen could reportedly be handed a penalty that could dent his title hopes.

With just six races left of the season, Verstappen is in pole position to win his fourth F1 world title on the bounce.

However, the Dutchman’s Red Bull car has struggled to perform in recent months. Verstappen has not won a single race since tasting victory at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona back in June.

Meanwhile, the improvement made by McLaren has meant that British superstar Lando Norris has managed to cut the gap to 52 points.

Ahead of the United States Grand Prix next week, which will take place around the Circuit of the Americas, it has been reported that Verstappen could be at risk of a further grid penalty before the season finishes.

BBC F1 correspondent Andrew Benson was asked whether Verstappen and Norris would face engine penalties, he replied: “There is no confirmation on either side yet - teams keep these sorts of things to themselves until the last possible moment.

“There is said to be a possibility Verstappen will have take another engine before the end of the season - and therefore get a five-place grid penalty. But that is not confirmed.”

Benson added: “With Norris there has been no suggestion of it. He has not had a penalty yet. He has used all his permitted four engines already - but the same is true of every driver.”

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In July, leading into the Belgian Grand Prix, Verstappen was handed a 10-place grid penalty after taking on a new engine.

Despite the penalty, the 26-year-old managed to recover and come home in fourth place, with Lewis Hamilton taking victory at Spa-Francorchamps.

Speaking about his relationships with other drivers on the grid, Norris told The Athletic: “As soon as I put the helmet on, I hate everyone. That does not change. A lot of people think, because I get along with someone here or just play on a game with someone, that you are just best mates in life, no matter what you do.

“I think the people you actually get along with more out of the track are the people you want to beat more when you are on the track, which is the opposite thought to what a lot of people have. They think because you are mates there, you are too nice on the track. I think it is the complete opposite.”