Verstappen handed 5-place grid penalty in Brazil after another engine change

SAO PAULO (AP) — Red Bull driver Max Verstappen has received a five-place grid penalty at the Brazilian Grand Prix after he again decided to change his engine.

His move could improve the chances of McLaren's Lando Norris in Sunday's race to reduce the Dutchman's 47-point lead in Formula 1.

The FIA confirmed the Verstappen decision on Friday.

The Dutch driver clocked the 15th best time during the morning pracrtice, one second behind Norris, who was fastest.

In the afternoon, drivers will take part in the sprint race qualifying session.

Drivers are allowed to use four engines throughout the season.

Verstappen served a 10-place grid penalty for exceeding his seasonal engine quota at July’s Belgian GP. That was his fifth of the season.

The three-time F1 champion leads the overall standings with four races to go.

During his press conference on Thursday, Verstappen expressed doubts about whether he would change his engine for Brazil.

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AP Formula 1: https://apnews.com/hub/formula-one

Mauricio Savarese, The Associated Press