Formula One: Norris and Verstappen Could Face Penalties Before End of Season

As the United States Grand Prix approaches from October 18-20, anticipation builds for the crucial races that will determine the fate of both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships in Formula 1. With just under two weeks to go, News correspondent Andrew Benson addressed key questions from fans regarding potential penalties and team strategies during a recent Q&A session.

One primary concern was the possibility of Max Verstappen facing another grid penalty for changing his engine, similar to his recent penalty at Spa. While there is speculation that he may need to replace another engine before the season ends—resulting in a five-place grid penalty—no official confirmation has been issued yet. Meanwhile, Lando Norris has yet to receive any penalties, despite having used all four of his permitted engines this season, a situation common to all drivers.

The dynamics between teams also came into focus, particularly regarding Red Bull and its junior team, RB. A controversial incident in the recent Singapore Grand Prix saw Daniel Ricciardo of RB take the fastest lap point from Norris. While Red Bull claimed Ricciardo’s push for the point was intended to honor his performance, skepticism arose, especially from McLaren officials who raised concerns during the F1 Commission meeting about the implications of such actions.

Mercedes, unlike Red Bull and RB, maintains a more traditional customer relationship with teams like McLaren. Mercedes representatives noted that while they take pride in their success and the championships won by customer teams, their primary focus remains on their works team.

Additionally, questions were raised about Renault’s recent decision to abandon its engine program, leading to Alpine’s use of customer engines starting in 2026. Critics argue that this move undermines competitive advantages typically enjoyed by manufacturers, while Renault executives maintain that aligning with Mercedes engines will ultimately enhance their competitiveness.

The Q&A also touched upon language use in the sport, with English being the primary communication medium due to F1’s British heritage. Despite the diverse backgrounds of teams and drivers, English remains the common tongue for engineering discussions and radio communications.

Looking ahead, Lewis Hamilton’s contract with Mercedes will prevent him from participating in post-season testing for Ferrari, as the team prepares for its farewell events after a lengthy partnership. Meanwhile, discussions regarding the scheduling of the Canadian Grand Prix continue, with F1 advocating for a May date to align it with the Miami race. However, Montreal organizers resist this change, citing weather concerns and logistical challenges.

As the championship races draw nearer, teams are strategically evaluating their options, setting the stage for a thrilling finale to the F1 season.

Faridah Abdulkadiri.

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