Source – RacingNews365
Red Bull made a modification, and now the world champion might be facing a grid penalty.
As the anticipation ramps up for the 2024 Italian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen finds himself on the verge of a potential grid penalty after Red Bull’s decision to fit a new gearbox to his RB20. The reigning world champion, who has displayed formidable form throughout the season, faces the risk of a penalty that could significantly impact his chances of securing victory at Monza.
Red Bull’s choice to install a new gearbox case and cassette, along with a new driveline, gear change components, and various auxiliary parts, has introduced an element of uncertainty. While such changes are technically routine, they bring Verstappen closer to exceeding his permitted component usage for the season, a scenario that could lead to a grid drop if additional components are needed.
Formula 1 regulations allow for the use of up to five examples of the gearbox casing and cassette, as well as the driveline, before penalties are imposed. Verstappen, having already used three casings and four drivelines, is now on his fourth and fifth units respectively. This places him on the brink of a penalty should Red Bull be required to fit a sixth component of either type. With Monza’s high-stakes environment, where grid positions are crucial due to the track’s limited overtaking opportunities, any grid drop could prove particularly damaging.
It is important to note, however, that current regulations provide some leeway compared to previous seasons. Gearboxes no longer need to last a specific number of races, allowing teams to re-use old parts without incurring penalties. This flexibility could offer Red Bull some relief as they navigate the remainder of the season with Verstappen’s car.
Sergio Perez, Verstappen’s teammate, is also managing a similar situation with his fifth driveline. This scenario is not unique to Red Bull, as several drivers across the grid are pushing the limits of their allocated components. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, for instance, has also taken his fourth example of both the gearbox casing and driveline, highlighting the tight margins teams are working within to balance performance and reliability.
In the engine department, numerous drivers have received fresh power unit components for Monza without incurring penalties. George Russell, Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, Lance Stroll, Fernando Alonso, and several others, including newcomers like Franco Colapinto, have all fitted new internal combustion engines, turbochargers, MGU-H, and MGU-K parts. Additionally, Valtteri Bottas, Zhou Guanyu, Kevin Magnussen, and Nico Hulkenberg have each installed new exhaust systems, reaching their fifth system of the season, with the regulations permitting up to eight.
As teams gear up for what promises to be a thrilling Italian Grand Prix, the looming threat of a grid penalty for Verstappen adds a layer of intrigue to the weekend’s proceedings. With Red Bull meticulously managing their resources, the focus will be on keeping Verstappen’s car in optimal condition to avoid any penalties that could impact his race weekend. For fans and competitors alike, the drama is intensifying at Monza, where every detail could play a critical role in shaping the outcome of the race.
